ATLANTA — The first floor of the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is expected to reopen in time for MLK day.
The house closed in August 2016 a crack was discovered in the sub-floor of the historic edifice. Following an assessment, officials believed the entire floor was in danger of structural failure, and the building was temporarily closed.
“We are hopeful that the first floor of the Auburn Avenue home can re-open in January in time for King Week,” Superintendent Judy Forte said in a news release. “We are also excited that a full condition assessment of the entire home is scheduled so that we can ensure the preservation and protection of this national treasure for future generations.”
The house, built in 1895, is one element of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Others areas within the national site include Fire Station No. 6, Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center, where King and his wife are buried.