You’ve seen it. If you’ve ever stepped off the train at Five Points in downtown Atlanta, you’ve literally walked in its shadow. The Sam Nunn Federal Building—officially the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center—is basically a city within a city. It’s huge. It’s 2.4 million square feet of government bureaucracy, concrete, and somehow, a whole lot of Atlanta history that most people just walk right past without realizing.
Honestly, it’s one of those buildings that feels like it’s been there forever, even though the modern "tower" part only went up in the late 90s. But here’s the kicker: the government might be getting rid of it. Yeah, as of early 2025 and heading into 2026, the General Services Administration (GSA) has been looking at this massive complex and wondering if it’s still worth the headache.
Why This Building Is Actually a Frankenstein of Atlanta History
When you look at the Sam Nunn Federal Building, you aren’t just looking at one building. You’re looking at four different structures mashed together. It’s a architectural "choose your own adventure."
Most folks know the 24-story tower. It's that Modernist slab that defines the skyline near the Gulch. But the soul of the place? That’s the old Rich’s Department Store building. Back in 1924, this was the place to be. It looks like an Italian palazzo because, well, that’s what architects Bruce and Morgan thought a fancy store should look like back then.
"Rich's was more than a store; it was an Atlanta institution where the Magnolia Room served as the backdrop for some of the city's most significant social shifts."
The history here isn't just about shopping. It’s heavy. In 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. and dozens of others were arrested right here during a sit-in at the Magnolia Room. Think about that for a second. The same place where people now file tax paperwork or deal with EPA regulations is the site where MLK was sent to jail for the first time.
💡 You might also like: Missouri Paycheck Tax Calculator: What Most People Get Wrong
Then you’ve got the 10-story mid-rise, the six-story "bridge" building that looks like it’s trying to jump across the street, and the original 1924 structure. It’s a weird, beautiful, and sometimes confusing mix of pink marble floors and sterile federal office lighting.
Who Exactly Is Sam Nunn?
If you aren't from Georgia, or if you're under the age of 40, you might just think "Sam Nunn" is just a name on a sign. But the guy was a powerhouse. Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr. represented Georgia in the U.S. Senate for 24 years.
He wasn't your typical politician. He was the guy people called for national defense and nuclear hair-pulling contests. He co-authored the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program. Basically, he helped make sure that when the Soviet Union collapsed, their nukes didn't end up on the black market.
Naming the largest federal building outside of D.C. after him in the late 90s was the ultimate "thank you" from the federal government. He’s still around, too—exercising every day and probably keeping an eye on the building that carries his legacy.
The Rodents, the Mold, and the $70 Million Fix
Look, no building is perfect. But for a place that houses 3,000 to 5,000 employees on any given day, the Sam Nunn Federal Building has had a rough few years.
📖 Related: Why Amazon Stock is Down Today: What Most People Get Wrong
During the pandemic, when the halls were empty, the local wildlife moved in. There was a pretty infamous rodent infestation that made headlines back in 2022. The GSA had to drop $3.2 million just to get the "unwanted critters" out.
Then there’s the air. For years, there were whispers about mold in the vents. The GSA says the air is safe, but they still moved forward with a massive $70.2 million modernization project. We’re talking:
- Total overhaul of the HVAC systems.
- Replacing three massive facility generators.
- Fixing electrical busways that were causing random blackouts and sending workers home early.
It’s a lot of money to pour into a building you might sell, right? That’s where things get interesting.
Is the Sam Nunn Federal Building For Sale?
Short answer: Kinda.
In early 2025, the GSA put out a list of "non-core assets." The Sam Nunn center was on it. The government is basically realizing that between remote work and the insane cost of maintaining 2.4 million square feet of aging infrastructure, they might be better off offloading it to the private sector.
👉 See also: Stock Market Today Hours: Why Timing Your Trade Is Harder Than You Think
Imagine what you could do with that space. Apartments? A massive tech hub? A giant indoor pickleball court? (Probably not that last one, but hey, it's Atlanta).
What Most People Get Wrong About Visiting
If you have to go there for business—maybe you’re visiting the EPA Region 4 offices or dealing with the Department of Labor—don’t just show up and expect to wander around.
- Security is real. It’s a federal building. You need a valid ID, you’re going through a metal detector, and your bag is getting X-rayed.
- The "Bridge" is the secret. The six-story bridge building actually spans over Forsyth Street. It’s a weird sensation walking through it if you don't realize you're suspended over traffic.
- Check the Five Points MARTA. Seriously, don't try to park there. The Gulch parking lot is usually full of federal employees, and downtown traffic is a nightmare. The Five Points station is literally across the street.
What Happens Next?
Whether the government sells it or keeps it, the Sam Nunn Federal Building remains a cornerstone of downtown Atlanta. It’s a weird blend of Civil Rights history, Cold War political legacy, and modern-day infrastructure struggles.
If you’re a history buff, go see the lobby of the 1924 building. The pink marble and ornate plaster ceilings are still there, looking exactly like they did when your grandparents might have been shopping for Sunday suits at Rich's.
For those of you tracking the real estate side, keep an eye on GSA "disposal" notices. If this building hits the open market, it will be the biggest real estate story in Atlanta for the next decade.
Actionable Next Steps:
- If you're visiting for an agency meeting, allow at least 30 minutes for security clearance.
- Take the MARTA to Five Points to avoid the $20+ parking fees in the surrounding decks.
- Walk through the main lobby to see the Nancy O’Neil glass collage—it’s a 150-foot wide "flipbook" of Georgia history that most people completely ignore.