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On April 1, 1919, The Atlanta Linen Supply Company was born in the small kitchen of an Atlanta, Georgia residence.

Business prospered as the company became a standard for many beauty parlors, health services, grocery, hotels and restaurants. In 1920, the company moved into a new building on Walker Street and two short years later, expanded outside Atlanta. The name, Southern Linen Service Company, was adopted as the thriving business began running ten southeastern plants. The company became The National Linen Service Corporation in 1928.

As National Linen experienced massive growth, a unique partnership was developed with Jackson & Edney, a North Carolina construction company, in 1937. National Linen contracted them to design and build several of their factories. Steel had always been an integral part of the designs of this period; however, construction with steel was limited during World War II. As a result, a new style of building emerged during this time. Jackson & Edney utilized this new standard in the construction of the new Empire Manufacturing Building.

Permitted on February 16, 1954, this building is an excellent example of factory-type design and construction. A 95-foot long-span steel truss allowed for large uninterrupted factory space. Monitors and expansive window bands allowed cascading natural light. An elaborate hooded venting system controlled the environment. An oversized, grand, limestone entrance with a recessed metal storefront door indicates the art deco influence. Remaining windows on the first floor consist of a long band of interesting metal windows with blue glazing. This modern design allowed for efficient textile manufacturing, producing linen garments, napkins, tablecloths and other items for more than thirty years.

Maintaining its revolutionary design elements and its connection to a by-gone era preserves this gem of history. The architects associated with Freedom Lofts are utilizing the impressive historical details and merging it with the latest innovations of space, shape and style. Freedom Lofts at The Village is a toast to the past with a new attitude towards expressive urban living. 

Freedom Lofts is developed by Realty Development Corporation, an industry leader in multi-family housing - successfully is developing more than 53 projects, representing more than 11,389 homes since the company’s inception in 1982. The conversion of the Empire Manufacturing Building is designed by the highly celebrated firm of Smith Dalia Architects. Coldwell Banker The Condo Store, recognized in the Southeast as the premier marketer of both new construction and conversion condominium and loft properties directs exclusive sales and marketing.

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