
FORTH Hotel
189,000 square feet
16 stories, 196 keys
Atlanta, Georgia
2024
“X” marks the spot of FORTH—a unique boutique hotel concept that introduces a new way to stay in Atlanta. Located in the verdant landscape fronting Historic Fourth Ward Park, the property features warm and welcoming hotel rooms, residential-style guest suites for extended stays, beautiful and flexible event spaces, and a members-only social club. MA served as the project's architectural designer and interior designer for the hotel, club, and public spaces.



FORTH’s primary architectural feature is its exposed concrete diagrid. The diagonal columns contribute to the aesthetics of the new building while serving a structural purpose. Behind the cast-in-place concrete diagrid is a window wall, adding surprising depth and transparency to the facade. Below the tower, a three-story gray brick podium features corbelling that artfully frames each window opening.
Within, FORTH’s rich and tailored interiors provide a warm and welcoming counterpoint to the building’s contemporary tower. Inspired by classic Americana traditions and European design, honest materials, handmade furnishings, layered fabrics, and curated objects imbue each space with an instant sense of place and craftsmanship.
Within the lobby, a timber-clad ceiling, slate flooring, and abundant greenery create a gentle shift between the outdoor and indoor experience. FORTH's unique art program further reinforces the project's connection to nature. Behind the reception desk, a painting by the artist Jack Spencer depicts a forest entrance, marking the beginning of the guest's journey through the hotel. A BDDW mountain tapestry can be found on the adjacent wall, anchoring an arrangement of vintage and contemporary seating. The lobby also features a wood-burning fireplace, one of several throughout the hotel.
Further into the lobby, a concierge space offers more of nature’s splendor with an enclosed diorama by artist Becca Barnet, complete with taxidermied foxes, pinned butterflies, and natural foliage.




FORTH's first level also boasts a versatile event venue with a seating capacity of up to 350. The space can be left open or divided using a thoughtfully designed folding wall system to accommodate multiple events simultaneously. For intuitive wayfinding, the event venue features a dedicated entrance from the port cochere, as well as a full-service marble-clad bar and a pre-function area. Parquet wood flooring throughout adds a touch of warmth and elegance, enhancing the venue's inviting ambiance.




Embracing Southern hospitality, guest rooms exude warmth, comfort, and craftsmanship. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and offer unique views of the concrete diagrid and the cityscape beyond. In addition to traditional guestrooms, FORTH features a number of luxury keys with private terraces and outdoor fireplaces, as well as apartment-style suites designed for extended stays. MA custom-designed most of the furniture within the guest rooms and apartment-style suites, including the bed frames, armoires, coffee tables, bedside tables, and minibars.



FORTH's Social Club draws inspiration from British design traditions reimagined within an American context, offering a carefully curated ambiance with bold patterns, vibrant colors, and rich textures. Carved wood, leather strapping, and thoughtfully selected objects enrich the sensory experience. Balancing an air of exclusivity with a strong emphasis on hospitality and exceptional service, the Social Club was designed to make guests feel cared for and connected, providing a comfortable haven for individuals and groups in a variety of spaces, including a full-service bar, restaurant, and lounge space, as well as a private conference room.








FORTH also features an unparalleled wellness experience showcasing a state-of-the-art fitness center, specialized classes, and personal training services. Guests and club members have access to locker rooms, a steam room, cold plunge, dry sauna, and spa service designed to promote "flourishing," a research-supported model for wellbeing and getting the most out of life.














While FORTH's tower is striking and contemporary, the podium is subtle and contextual. Its scale, materials, and detailing more closely relate to the existing fabric of the neighborhood to create a cohesive pedestrian experience. At the ground level, the project is aligned with The Overline, a residential tower also designed by MA. The woonerf that spans the space between the two new buildings leads to the below-grade parking garage that services the entire development site while also serving as a landscaped path to Historic Fourth Ward Park, the BeltLine, and nearby shops, restaurants, and nightlife.