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The 7 Secrets Of 1180 Peachtree: Why King & Spalding’s Atlanta Headquarters Is An Architectural Icon

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The King & Spalding Building, officially known as 1180 Peachtree, stands as one of Midtown Atlanta's most recognizable and architecturally significant skyscrapers. Far more than just a corporate office tower, this structure is a case study in modern sustainable design, a prestigious landmark, and the long-standing international headquarters for one of the world’s most respected white-shoe law firms, King & Spalding LLP, whose flagship office dates back to the firm's 1885 founding.

As of late December 2025, the building continues to anchor the vibrant Midtown district, having recently completed a major interior transformation of the King & Spalding space to reflect a modern, collaborative, and airy aesthetic, including a stunning new glass-enclosed rooftop deck. This deep dive explores the seven most compelling facts about this iconic Atlanta commercial real estate fixture, from its award-winning architecture to its current status.

The King & Spalding Building: Essential Biography & Profile

The building commonly referred to as the King & Spalding Building is officially named 1180 Peachtree, and is also known as the One Symphony Center due to its proximity to the Woodruff Arts Center and its integral role in the cultural landscape of Midtown.

  • Official Name: 1180 Peachtree (One Symphony Center)
  • Primary Tenant/Headquarters: King & Spalding LLP (International Headquarters)
  • Location: 1180 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Neighborhood: Midtown Atlanta (at the corner of Peachtree and 14th Streets)
  • Building Type: Class AA Office Tower / High-Rise Office Building
  • Height: Approximately 650–657 feet (200 meters)
  • Floors: 41 Stories
  • Total Square Footage: Approximately 680,000–690,835 square feet
  • Completion Date: February 2006
  • Developer: Hines and Seven Oaks Company
  • Design Architect: Pickard Chilton
  • Architect of Record: Kendall/Heaton Associates
  • Construction Manager: Turner Construction Company
  • Major Awards: 2007 ULI International Building of the Year, LEED-Certified (Need to confirm exact level, but notable for sustainability)

1. The Prestigious ULI International Building of the Year Award

The 1180 Peachtree tower achieved a rare and highly coveted honor: the Urban Land Institute (ULI) International Award for Excellence in 2007. This award is globally recognized as one of the highest distinctions in the development industry, celebrating projects that exemplify superior design, planning, and development. The building’s victory underscored its success not just as a corporate tower, but as a critical piece of urban planning in the Midtown Atlanta area. The ULI praised the tower for its integration into the surrounding neighborhood and its commitment to sustainable development principles, setting a new benchmark for Class AA office space.

2. A Benchmark for Sustainable Design and LEED Certification

In a major coup for Atlanta's commercial real estate scene, 1180 Peachtree was the first high-rise office building in Atlanta to achieve LEED certification. This focus on green building principles was a core part of the architectural vision by Pickard Chilton. The design incorporates various environmental innovations, which contributed significantly to its numerous architectural awards. This early adoption of sustainability cemented the building's reputation as a forward-thinking structure, influencing future high-rise developments across the city. The commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility remains a key component of the building's long-term value and operational efficiency.

3. The Landmark Architecture by Pickard Chilton

The design of 1180 Peachtree is the work of the renowned architectural firm Pickard Chilton, known for creating elegant and timeless corporate headquarters. Rising 41 stories and over 650 feet, the tower’s sleek, modern profile makes it a prominent feature of the Midtown skyline. The architects successfully blended high-end corporate aesthetics with civic responsibility, creating a building that is both a powerful international headquarters for King & Spalding and a visually appealing landmark for the city. Its architectural details, including the use of glass and stone, are frequently cited as a model for contemporary office tower design.

4. King & Spalding’s 2025-Era Headquarters Transformation

In a significant update relevant to the current year of 2025, King & Spalding completed a radical transformation of its headquarters space within 1180 Peachtree. This interior renovation was a strategic move to modernize the firm’s workspace, moving away from traditional law office layouts toward a more collaborative and open design. The project was helmed by IA Interior Architects’ New York office, led by Julio Braga.

Key features of this recent, cutting-edge renovation include:

  • Light, Bright, and Airy Aesthetic: The new design emphasizes transparency, natural light, and sweeping views of the Midtown skyline.
  • Rooftop Deck: The star feature is a new, glass-enclosed rooftop deck, providing a unique amenity space for lawyers, staff, and clients to connect and socialize.
  • Vivid Color Pops: The professional space is enlivened with "pops of vivid color" from furnishings and artwork, creating a dynamic and modern environment.

This massive undertaking ensures the firm’s flagship office remains a state-of-the-art facility well into the 2020s, supporting its global operations across 26 worldwide offices.

5. The Strategic Importance of Midtown Atlanta

The decision by King & Spalding to locate its international headquarters at 1180 Peachtree is a nod to the strategic importance of Midtown Atlanta. The neighborhood is a major cultural and commercial hub, situated perfectly between Downtown Atlanta and the upscale Buckhead district. Midtown is home to major cultural institutions like the Woodruff Arts Center and is a center for technology and legal services, making it an ideal location for a multinational corporate law firm. The building’s location offers unparalleled access to major business clients, the legal community, and key transportation arteries in the city.

6. A Home to Multiple Prestigious Tenants

While King & Spalding is the anchor tenant, occupying over 60% of the leasable space, 1180 Peachtree is a multi-tenant Class AA office building. The prestige of the address attracts a roster of other high-profile firms, further enhancing its status as a top-tier commercial property. Notable co-tenants include:

  • Roark Capital: A prominent private equity firm.
  • Earnest Partners: A respected investment management firm.
  • Fish & Richardson: A nationally recognized intellectual property law firm.

This mix of finance, private equity, and specialized law firms creates a powerful ecosystem of professional services within the tower, solidifying its role as a key player in the Atlanta business landscape.

7. The Tower’s Dual Identity: One Symphony Center

The 1180 Peachtree building is frequently referred to as One Symphony Center, a name that highlights its cultural connection to the adjacent Woodruff Arts Center, which includes the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This dual identity is intentional, reflecting the developer’s vision to create a building that integrates commerce and culture. The tower’s design, particularly the public spaces and its relationship to the streetscape, was carefully planned to enhance the overall pedestrian and cultural experience of the Midtown Arts District, making it a truly mixed-use and community-focused commercial development.

The 7 Secrets of 1180 Peachtree: Why King & Spalding’s Atlanta Headquarters is an Architectural Icon
king and spalding building
king and spalding building

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