A former farm-equipment factory in Atlanta thrives today as a center for commercial forming, and visual arts.

Southern Living, February 2002
By Sara Askew Jones

In 1986, when King Shaw watched the doors close on his family's 84 year-old manufacturing business, he never expected to see them open again. Yet a series of events inspired the native Atlantan to rethink the future of the King Plow Company, and, with a nod to innovation, he found a way to continue the family's legacy.

A New Era
Within a year of shutting down the factory, the family sold its manufacturing business. During this time one of King's friends, photographer Rob Brinson, renovated a small section of the empty factory for his studio. Subsequently, the property reverted to King and his family. Impressed by the photographer's use of the space, King casually mentioned to Rob that he wished the whole area could be like his studio.

"He told me it should be," King explains. "Rob knew that artists and others in the field need a lot of space, a lot of light, and a place with character. He said that if I needed to build out one studio at a time, then that is what I should do."

Rob remembers the conversation with his longtime friend. "King and I would often get together and talk about things and share good ideas with each other," Rob says. "Then we would go our different ways and nothing would ever happen. This was one of the times that we actually talked about something and it happened."

"The concept of taking an old building with character and reutilizing it is less expensive than building from scratch," King explains. "And those cost savings can be passed on to the tenants."

Using Smith-Dalia Architects, King created affordable live/work studios while preserving the architectural and historical significance of the numerous buildings once used to produce farm implements.

King developed the project one phase at a time. By 1995, 160,000 square feet had been renovated, and the complex was 100% leased. "At that point we had a theater and a lot of fine artists here, and there was an atmosphere that felt very electric, very alive, " he remembers. A restaurant was completed in 1996. "What really kicked it off for us was our tenants bringing in their clients."

A Thriving Community
The factory facade of the King Plow Arts Center belies the ultrachic interiors found throughout the sprawling complex. Each studio reflects the personality of the occupant. Some ateliers are spacious and airy, while others feel intimate and cozy. With the creative nature of the clients, the architectural possibilities are endless.

"In an old building you have oak beams, brick walls, and heart-pine ceilings," King says. "You intersperse that with drywall, and it all pops and comes together for a contemporary feel."

Many companies moved to King Plow for these qualities. "We started drawing people from Class A office space who didn't want to be in drywall boxes," he continues. "They wanted to demonstrate their creativity through their surroundings, and King Plow fits that criteria."

A sense of community prevails at the center, where various artists now work. Tenants mingle with one another in different areas of the complex. This environment encourages networking opportunities.

Julie Campbell of Point b, a marketing-communication agency, confirms this. She and Patricia Babuka, the firm's founder partner, relocated from a traditional office building in 1996. "We wanted an inspiring work environment not only for our employees but also for our clients," Julie says. "We found it at King Plow. We have clients who come here and work because they enjoy the creative atmosphere that fills the space."

"Although we have a full staff of essential talent, we often collaborate with tenants who specialize in distinct creative areas," Julie says. "We work with illustrators, animators and photographers who have studios in the building.

Out of 100 studios, 15% have people living in them. "Over time, our list of occupants has gradually evolved to include more commercial tenants," King says.

Public spaces at the center attract a variety of groups and nonprofit organizations that wish to hold special events there. One tenant, the Bold American Food Company, oversees all catering at King Plow.

"Between the special events and the clientele of the restaurant and theater, about 86,000 people came through our doors last year," King says, "and that's not counting the 500 to 600 tenants and employees who work here. I didn't pay any of them to come here. The walked in because there was a reason for them to be here."

A Legacy Endures
Today, the King Plow Arts Center encompasses 12 ½ acres, 256,000 square feet, and 16 buildings. That, King admits with a laugh, is enough. He fills his days overseeing the complex and interacting with the tenants. His goal has never been to develop the center and then sell it. His main concern was continuing the legacy started by his great-grandfather. "All my life I grew up with the goal of carrying on the business and keeping the family name alive," King says. "When we went out of business, I thought, 'That's it.'

"It occurred to me not long ago," he continues, "that I had actually succeeded in my wish. I kept the family name alive by getting this complex on the National Register of Historic Places. I talk with my kids all the time about following my lead. They think this is great."