Buckhead Showroom Signals Economic Turnaround

For former Atlanta Mayor Sam Massell, Thursday's unveiling of the new Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance, Inc. showroom in Buckhead was much more than a typical ribbon cutting — it represented a milestone in the area's economic turnaround. 

Massell, along with city and county officials, were on hand to commemorate the opening of the new showroom, which is equipped with a live demonstration kitchen; training rooms, outfitted with advanced audiovisual equipment; and a large common area where guests can relax and enjoy the space. An expansive showcase area was also built to display the latest Sub-Zero and Wolf products, providing designers, architects, and consumers with the opportunity to view and interact with the products.

Due to the recession it has been years, Massell said, since Buckhead has seen a ribbon cutting that involved both city and county officials, as well as the community.

"Now Buckhead is seeing the growth coming back like we are accustomed to," Massell, who is also the President of the Buckhead Coalition, said. "They dont invest this kind of money unless they plan to be very successful financially."

The $4 million, 11,000 square-foot showroom joins the list of other Sub-Zero and Wolf corporate showroom spaces in New York and Chicago. Previously located in Duluth, Ga., the Sub-Zero and Wolf Atlanta showroom is on the second floor of the Terminus building - 3280 Peachtree Road. It officially opens to the public on May 14.

"This is the first showroom we've had in an area like Buckhead," said Jim Bakke, president and CEO of Sub- Zero and Wolf. "Our showrooms work hard for us and this is one of the nicer showrooms that we have in the United States."

Sub-Zero, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of American-made luxury refrigeration, freezers and wine storage units, and it leads in product design with its built-in and integrated lines. Founded in 1945, Sub-Zero is a privately held company in its third generation of family ownership. Headquartered in Madison, Wis., Sub-Zero, Inc., also operates a manufacturing facility in Goodyear, Ariz.

Wolf Appliance, Inc. is the premier maker of ranges, ovens, cooktops, and grills and was among the first to introduce the convection oven into the residential market. It is based in a state-of-the-art production facility in Fitchburg, Wis.