Council votes to honor Portman

The Atlanta City Council Monday voted to rename Harris Street downtown for famed Buckhead architect John Portman.

The street will be renamed John Portman Boulevard at Historic Harris Street, according to a news release from the Atlanta City Council.

The renaming was approved by a vote of 8-6. Buckhead council members Yolanda Adrean, Howard Shook and Felicia Moore voted against the resolution.

The latest initiative to honor Portman was spearheaded by City Council President Ceasar Mitchell since its introduction to a Council committee in July.

“Atlantans from all walks know of the great contributions John Portman has made to the development of our city, particularly the role he played in the revitalization of downtown Atlanta in the 1970s,” Mitchell said. “Atlanta is a city that is constantly evolving and we must honor those past and present who have played a positive role in our city’s growth and evolution. A street naming in Portman’s honor is befitting of his contributions and legacy.”

The renaming of the street had been opposed by the Atlanta Preservation Center and Buckhead Heritage Society President Wright Mitchell. Mitchell, an attorney, represented the Preservation Center pro bono and successfully filed suit against an earlier council ordinance to rename the street because that vote didn't follow council procedures. But the vote Monday did.

Mitchell said in an email that there would be "No further legal action as they followed the procedures. It is just unfortunate that they did not consider the myriad of other options suggested for honoring Mr. Portman instead of renaming a street."