The Gadsden Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, a notable Etowah County landmark located at 644 Walnut Street in Gadsden, Alabama, has seen many changes over its near century-long existence. Originally built 1929-1930, the plant served as the primary bottling facility for Coca-Cola in the Gadsden area. It is architecturally significant as an example of the Coca-Cola Company’s standardized plant designs, created by architectural firm Pringle and Smith from 1928-1949.

Coca-Cola operated the Walnut Street plant from 1930 until 1986. Over the following years, the building was resold and owned by various businesses, including Gregerson’s Foods, the National Auction Group, Inc., and the Alabama Teachers Credit Union.

Despite the best intentions to save the aging facility, the property was on the brink of demolition in April 2021. Former property owners had plans to transform the Bottling Plant into a functioning community space; however, the extensive renovations required to bring the structure up to modern standards posed a significant challenge. Failing to find funds and resources to support the redevelopment, the decision was made to demolish the building, much to the dismay of the community and all involved.

But – through the hard work of local leaders – Lathan Development was alerted to the property’s endangered status. In June 2022, Lathan purchased the Gadsden Coca-Cola Bottling Plant property and promptly began devising a plan to save the building.

To ensure that the property’s unique historic character was documented and preserved, the Gadsden Coca-Cola Bottling Plant was nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, and it was officially listed in 2023. As a National Register listed property, the Bottling Plant is eligible for state and federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. These historic tax credits, also known as HTCs, provide valuable financial incentives that help offset the cost of historic rehabilitations. Without these credits, many redevelopment projects for older properties are not feasible.

Lathan Development’s vision for the Bottling Plant is one that preserves the property’s historic character while providing new, modern use for the former industrial space. The plant’s buildings will become commercial office spaces for several Etowah County companies, providing much needed workspace for emerging and growing North Alabama businesses. The project was featured in the 2023 Etowah County Chamber of Commerce Current & Buyers Guide.

The Gadsden Coca-Cola Bottling Plant project highlights the complexities and challenges of saving historic buildings, and it underscores the importance of HTCs in making these small- and large-scale rehabilitations feasible. Since 2019, Lathan Development has invested over $40 million in these development projects, with over $11 million in HTC value realized.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Gadsden Coca-Cola Bottling Plant transformation!