Dad’s Garage wins Urban Land Institute award. No, really.

Dad’s Garage may be known for its improv comedy and its famous guest performers, but one of its lesser-known products is … sustainable development?
Apparently, yes.
“The people have spoken, and our little chucklehut has been voted an outstanding renovation project in Atlanta,” a press release from Dad’s Garage says.
The Urban Land Institute has given Dad’s Garage the 2016 Jury Award for best renovation in Atlanta.
“The award is for the transformation of a former-church into the ‘Forever Home’ for Atlanta’s most popular improv theatre,” the press release says. “Dad’s Garage purchased the property at 569 Ezzard in January 2015, following a Kickstarter campaign that brought in more than $150,000. That campaign was the most successful live theatre fundraiser in Kickstarter history, and received contributions from across the world.”
The new digs for the theatre were redesigned by Pimsler Hoss Architects. They turned the sanctuary into a performance space that seats more than 200 and created a hangout space with a full bar and a smaller stage in the downstairs of the old church.
“The complete renovation required structural reinforcement of the building, creating arena-style seating in the main stage, adding a lighting grid, and updating bathrooms with ‘turbo toilets.’ Interior design was central to the renovation, giving the new space a youthful, artistic vibe,” the press release said.
Nicknamed the “House of Dad’s,” the space was officially opened on New Year’s Eve 2015/2016 with sold-out performances.
The Urban Land Institute, founded in 1936, is a nonprofit that provides “leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. ”
Dad’s Garage, founded in 1995, began as a small volunteer group and has grown into a full-fledged theater company that entertains 33,000 people in Atlanta every year.