Westside Paper’s Post-COVID Pivot Pays Off with OFS
West Midtown’s Westside Paper development has secured a major lease with contract furniture giant OFS, marking a significant milestone for the adaptive reuse project. This high-profile signing highlights the successful post-pandemic repositioning of the historic property from traditional office spaces into a dynamic, design-focused destination. Atlanta design professionals and West Midtown locals can look forward to another premier brand anchoring this rapidly evolving creative hub.
The Evolution of Westside Paper
Located at 950 West Marietta Street, Westside Paper is a thoughtful preservation project that breathes new life into a 1950s paper warehouse. Developed through a partnership between Portman Holdings and Third & Urban, the 15-acre site sits directly across from the historic King Plow Arts Center. Originally envisioned as a standard mix of creative office spaces and neighborhood retail, the project faced a challenging post-pandemic corporate office market. Instead of waiting out the office slump, the developers pivoted their strategy to target design firms, interactive showrooms, and experiential food and beverage concepts.
Why the OFS Showroom Deal Matters
OFS, a highly respected family-owned contract furniture manufacturer, is leasing a significant footprint at Westside Paper to showcase its modern workspace designs. This move aligns perfectly with West Midtown’s reputation as Atlanta’s premier design district. By attracting a major industry player like OFS, the development proves that active, design-centric spaces can thrive even when traditional office leasing slows down. The showroom will serve as a hub for local architects, interior designers, and commercial real estate professionals looking for cutting-edge office environments.
Comparing Office Models
| Feature | Traditional Office Model | Modern Showroom & Creative Space |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Daily desk work and administrative tasks | Product display, client meetings, and brand events |
| Foot Traffic | Limited to daily employees and scheduled guests | High volume of designers, buyers, and industry pros |
| Layout Focus | Cubicles, conference rooms, and fixed desks | Open, modular layouts showing active product lines |
Broad Implications for West Midtown’s Economy
This leasing milestone reinforces West Midtown’s status as a top-tier destination for creative businesses in Atlanta. The neighborhood has transitioned from its industrial roots into a bustling corridor filled with top-rated restaurants, luxury apartments, and design-oriented retail. When high-caliber tenants like OFS choose adaptive reuse developments over sterile high-rises, it keeps capital and talent concentrated within our local community. Furthermore, these showrooms bring consistent weekday foot traffic, which directly supports neighboring retail, coffee shops, and restaurants like Boxcar Betty’s and El Tesoro.
What to Watch Next at Westside Paper
As the OFS showroom prepares to open, visitors can expect additional tenant announcements in the coming months. Developers are continuing to curate a diverse mix of tenants that balance daytime corporate traffic with evening and weekend leisure crowds. Watch for new culinary concepts, specialized fitness studios, and local retail boutiques to fill out the remaining historic spaces. Additionally, the integration of outdoor courtyard spaces will host community events, making Westside Paper not just a place to work, but a neighborhood gathering spot.
- Where exactly is Westside Paper located?
The development is located at 950 West Marietta Street NW in West Midtown, situated directly across from the historic King Plow Arts Center. - What kind of business is OFS?
OFS is a well-known, family-owned contract furniture manufacturer that designs and produces high-quality seating, desks, and collaborative workspace solutions for modern offices. - Why did the developers pivot away from traditional offices?
Following the pandemic, shifts in remote work reduced the demand for large, traditional corporate offices, prompting the developers to focus on dynamic showrooms and experiential retail. - Is Westside Paper open to the general public?
Yes, while the showrooms cater heavily to design professionals, the development features public courtyard spaces, restaurants, and retail shops open to all visitors.
For Atlanta design professionals and locals alike, visiting Westside Paper offers a firsthand look at how historic preservation and smart, adaptive commercial strategy can successfully shape the future of West Midtown’s urban landscape.
Westside Paper Lands Major Lease With OFS
