The Ramblin’ Reck Garage represents a new chapter in the rich legacy of a student-led organization dedicated to enriching lives across the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology and surrounding communities. Since 1961 the Ramblin’ Reck, a lovingly restored 1930 Ford Model A Coupe, has been recognizable nationwide, and has long been one of the most prized icons at Georgia Tech. The Ramblin’ Reck Garage is the first permanent home dedicated to the display, care, and public engagement for the vehicle, while also providing a headquarters for the students who care for it, The Ramblin’ Reck Club. Located in the heart of the major research institute in downtown Atlanta, the new building is a hybrid typology: a full-service working garage and a display pavilion allowing the Ramblin’ Reck to finally have a celebrated home on Georgia Tech’s campus.

To establish the critical objectives of the project, inspiration was drawn from the physical beauty of The Ramblin’ Reck itself, and from the civic engagement that the Ramblin’ Reck Club prides itself on. This mission is captured succinctly by the Club’s goal – spreading joy. It was this synthesis between physical beauty and a deep emotional bond to an institution that informed the design. The building was envisioned as an attractive new addition to campus, and one that stood out among the much larger campus buildings nearby. This was an opportunity to celebrate a cherished tradition on the campus of Georgia Tech, which needed to be accessible, engaging, and above all, inspiring like the vehicle itself.

Sitting lightly on a very gently sloping site, the Ramblin’ Reck Garage is a 1,000 square foot glass pavilion that works in harmony with the landscape whose physical presence would not overshadow the vehicle. Maximum exposure for the display of the vehicle, and visibility into how the Ramblin Reck Club operates were crucial design objectives. Large glass garage pivot doors on the East and West ends of the building allow the vehicle to enter and exit from multiple points on the site. Once inside, the vehicle can be placed on a slowly spinning turntable as an object on display. If maintenance work is required, an automated vehicle lift allows for easy access. These activities are in full view from the surrounding site which features seating plazas covered by shade trees and a small lawn used by the Ramblin’ Reck Club to host events for students and alumni.

Sustainability initiatives work in harmony with the architecture to establish a new vision for the future while highlighting the legacy of the Ramblin’ Reck. The design has achieved Net-Zero status and is currently being vetted for LEED Platinum certification. In innovative ways, the project demonstrates a commitment to honoring the Ramblin’ Reck’s past, celebrating the Club, and inspiring future generations whose lives will be touched by this iconic mascot.