Commercial Exterior Design Inspiration: Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts
Luxury outdoor furniture in the heart of Atlanta
Originally constructed in the late 1800s as the Fulton Bag Company in Atlanta, the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts was converted to residential lofts in 1997. Today, the lofts—owned and managed by TriBridge Residential—operate as two entities:for-rent apartments called the Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts and for-sale condominiums called The Stacks. Though separate entities, the two living areas shared a historic campus in the heart of Atlanta, so TriBridge Residential and The Stacks Homeowners Association set out to create a collaborative outdoor amenity project that elevated residents’ outdoor living experience.
Working off preliminary schematic designs by Atlanta landscape architect Erik Jarkins of Ironwood Design Group, AuthenTEAK’s Director of Business Development Alison Weidner, alongside Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation, transformed the outdoor living area into an urban oasis.
With a focus on creating an “industrial-chic” space that felt congruent with its industrial architecture, the design team anchored pool and patio areas with a mix of classic and modern.
“It’s a style that’s all about blending the old with the new to create a space that’s inviting and inspiring,” explains Ryan Kelly, Director of Capital Projects at TriBridge Residential. “I wanted a more muted color palette with lots of organic textures. We requested the furniture have colors and materials that would complement the historic nature of the property so as to not take away from the historic charm and character. We also requested furniture that would be durable and easy to maintain. I did not have any specific requests regarding brands and leaned heavily on Alison’s expertise for this part of this project.”
To breathe new life into the pool, courtyards, and catwalk (an elevated bridge over the property entrance), Weidner selected outdoor furnishings without cushions and anchored the color palette in neutral hues with playful pops of green to accent.
On the catwalk, strategic selections included faux-concrete furnishings from Zachary A. Design, which were durable enough to withstand winds on the catwalk yet lighter-weight than true concrete. Sika Design’s Hanging Egg Chairs create a fun lounging area.
By the pool, Kannoa chaise loungers and Treasure Garden umbrellas add a resort-style ambiance to the pool. TUUCI cabanas were placed near the pool to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. “This pool now feels like a little resort or oasis in the middle of the city,” says Kelly.
A previously underutilized courtyard was given new life with a custom-fabricated fire pit and comfortable yet durable lounge chairs from Nardi. Meanwhile, the central courtyard features an outdoor grilling station with outdoor rocking chairs from HOUE and a luxury outdoor foosball table by RS Barcelona.
“We wanted to create a community gathering space that got people excited about being outside,” says Weidner. “From the initial design phase—including layouts and selections—to the execution of turnkey delivery and installation, Alison and AuthenTEAK take customer service to the next level,” Kelly says. “With them, we trust that our outdoor projects are expertly handled every step of the way. We are already working on our next, fun project together!” For more information on AuthenTEAK’s trade and commercial projects, visit our Trade & Hospitality page. To browse luxury outdoor furniture in person, visit AuthenTEAK's 15,000-square-foot, award-winning Atlanta showroom.