Historic Downtown Jonesboro: A Landmark Opportunity Ready for Its Next Chapter

Former SunTrust Bank Building at 139 N Main St in Historic Jonesboro

As the county seat of Clayton County, Jonesboro has long stood as the civic and cultural heart of the community—a place where history, leadership, and everyday life intersect. From its pivotal role during the Civil War and its enduring presence in Gone With the Wind, to the promise of education and advancement embodied by the Rosenwald School, Jonesboro has always been more than a point on a map. It has been a crossroads—of stories, of resilience, and of reinvention.

Today, that legacy is not behind us; it is unfolding.

Downtown Jonesboro is experiencing renewed attention as a walkable, community-centered destination, anchored by civic institutions, cultural activity, and a growing appreciation for thoughtful redevelopment. And at the center of this moment stands a building that reflects both where Jonesboro has been—and where it is ready to go next.

A Building with History — and Possibility

Some buildings are simply structures. Others are storytellers.

The former bank building at 139 N Main Street is firmly in the second category. With its commanding street presence, solid construction, and generous interior layout, it offers a rare foundation for adaptive reuse — the thoughtful transformation of historic properties to meet modern needs while preserving their character.

Adaptive reuse is not just smart development; it is sustainable, community-centered growth. And this building is exceptionally well-positioned for it.

Welcome to Historic Jonesboro sign

Possible future uses (subject to zoning requirements and Historic District design standards) may include:

Restaurant or Food Hall Concept – A chef-driven restaurant, food hall, or culinary destination drawing patrons from across South Metro Atlanta
Intimate Entertainment Venue – White table-cloth jazz concerts, comedy nights, theatrical productions, film screenings, or curated live performances
Professional Office or Co-Working Space – A distinctive headquarters or shared workspace for attorneys, consultants, creatives, or entrepreneurs
Medical or Wellness Facility – Outpatient medical, wellness, or specialty health services serving the growing Clayton County population
Education or Training Center – Workforce development, vocational training, continuing education, or certification programs
Nonprofit Headquarters or Community Organization Hub – A mission-driven anchor activating downtown
Mixed-Use Community Concept – A thoughtful blend of hospitality, professional space, arts, and gathering areas that bring people together day and night

This property invites imagination — and rewards vision.

The Power of Place: The Jonesboro Historic District

Located within the H-1 Historic District, this building benefits from design standards that protect the architectural integrity of downtown while encouraging compatible, high-quality reuse. These standards help ensure that new investment enhances — rather than erases — the character that makes Downtown Jonesboro special.

For those interested in exploring permitted uses and design requirements in more detail, the City of Jonesboro has provided the following helpful resources:

These tools allow prospective buyers to thoughtfully align their vision with city guidelines from the outset.

Why Clayton County — and Why Now

Clayton County is one of Georgia’s most dynamic and diverse counties, home to nearly 300,000 residents and anchored by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport. Our proximity to Atlanta, combined with a growing demand for local amenities and experiences, has created a unique moment for strategic investment.

Residents want places close to home where they can dine, meet, enjoy culture, and build community. Downtown Jonesboro’s resurgence is a direct response to that demand.

This property also offers an important advantage for prospective buyers: existing lease income, providing near-term stability while long-term plans are developed. That combination — historic character, prime location, and income — is increasingly rare.

An Invitation to Visionaries

This offering is not simply about square footage or price point. It is about stewardship.

139 N Main Street presents an opportunity for developers, investors, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs who understand that strong communities are built where history and innovation meet.

If you believe in preserving character while creating opportunity — if you see value in downtowns, walkability, and meaningful placemaking — this building deserves your attention.