In 1924 Asa Candler, Jr., broke ground on a new project just 2 years after he wrapped up construction on his impressive Druid Hills mansion. Originally named “The 750,” the Briarcliff Hotel and Apartments was intended to be an upscale living option in the suburbs, perched on the corner of Ponce de Leon Avenue and North Highland Avenue. Featuring the kinds of grandiose architectural details that Buddie loved, it was designed by G. Lloyd Preacher, the architect also known for designing Atlanta’s City Hall. 9 stories tall, featuring 24 apartments per floor, with 200 units originally, it spent a scant few years living up to Buddie’s expectations. When the Great Depression hit, luxury hotels and apartments fell hard. Just look at his brother William’s Biltmore Hotel and Apartments for another example of Depression-strangled real estate.

In 1938 the building rebranded as Briarcliff Hotel and Apartments. Buddie’s Briarcliff Investment Co., his real estate company that his son John Candler headed, located its headquarters there. After Buddie and Florence sold Briarcliff Mansion in 1948 they moved to a 9 room penthouse on the top floor. Mixed reports claim he moved out in either 1948 or 1952.

Briarcliff Hotel and Apartments was Buddie’s final home. He passed in 1953 after living there for only a brief time.

“By 1935, five commercial tenants, including a pharmacy, barbershop and hairdresser, were located in the building, and in 1938 the building was first listed as the Briarcliff Hotel. A postcard of the hotel from the 1950’s advertises “400 luxurious rooms and suites” indicating that at some point the original apartments were subdivided.”

— National Historic Register App.ication