How Finding the Right Space Helped Dad’s Garage Secure Their Future
In 2013, Dad’s Garage found itself in an uncertain position. After nearly two decades in their original theater in Inman Park, their space was set for demolition to make way for a new development. Suddenly, one of Atlanta’s most beloved comedy institutions was without a home.
For years, Dad’s Garage had built a reputation as an accessible, down-to-earth theater where audiences could experience world-class improv and scripted performances. But now, they faced the challenge of securing a new space—one that could serve not just as a performance venue, but as a long-term home for their artists, staff, and growing community.
For the next two years, they moved between temporary locations, performing in borrowed theaters across the city. But finding a permanent home was proving to be far more difficult than expected.
A Different Approach to Finding Space
That’s when Pollock Commercial stepped in.
At first, Dad’s Garage hoped to lease a new space, but after exploring dozens of properties across the city, nothing quite fit. Performance venues require specific features—audience seating, back-of-house space, acoustics, and parking—and finding all of that in an affordable rental property was proving impossible.
Then, a different solution emerged.
Pollock identified a church for sale in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, a growing but still evolving neighborhood at the time. It wasn’t an obvious choice—buying a property instead of leasing required a different approach—but the team at Dad’s Garage saw the potential.
The church checked all the right boxes: it had ample space, a parking lot, and the flexibility to be transformed into a working theater. Most importantly, owning the space meant never facing the same uncertainty again.
View Their 2015 Kickstarter Campaign Here
Turning a Church into a Theater
Of course, purchasing a building is one thing—transforming it into a fully functioning performance space is another. Dad’s Garage launched an ambitious fundraising campaign, rallying support from their audience, local businesses, and the Atlanta arts community.
Thanks to that effort, they raised the money to secure their permanent home and began the process of turning the former church into the thriving creative hub it is today.
Since then, Dad’s Garage has continued to grow. The real estate decision they made a decade ago has given them the security to expand their programming, build new partnerships, and remain a fixture of Atlanta’s arts scene.
"The work that Pollock Commercial did with Dad's Garage was instrumental to a successful transition and a beautiful new venue." - Kevin Gillese
Why This Story Matters Now
Fast forward to today, and Dad’s Garage is back in the news.
This time, it’s not because they’re moving—but because they’re investing in their space even further. Their upcoming renovations will enhance the theater, allowing them to serve audiences even better and cementing their place in the city for years to come.
For Pollock Commercial, this story is a reminder that the best real estate decisions aren’t just about the present—they’re about the future.
Helping businesses and organizations like Dad’s Garage find the right space isn’t just about closing deals. It’s about securing stability, creating opportunity, and positioning them for long-term success.
The decision they made in 2013 to own rather than lease has given them full control over their growth. Instead of facing uncertainty, they’re in a position to reinvest in their future on their own terms.
Looking Back & Moving Forward
Not every deal Pollock Commercial works on involves a nonprofit theater, but every deal is built on the same foundation: understanding the full potential of a space and ensuring that it aligns with the long-term goals of the client.
For Dad’s Garage, that meant finding a property that could be more than just a theater—it could be a home.
Today, as they continue to grow, we’re proud to look back on the role we played in securing their future.
Want to see how far they’ve come? Check out their latest renovations here.
