Homeowner Finds Rare Coca-Cola Artifact in 135-Year-Old Atlanta Home

The discovery of a vintage Coca-Cola syrup barrel could be worth up to $1,800 for the new homeowner.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Jeff Nortica, the new owner of a 135-year-old home in Atlanta, was shocked to find a vintage Coca-Cola syrup barrel hidden in the attic. The five-gallon wooden barrel likely dates back to the 1900s and was used to hold syrup for the iconic soda. The building where the barrel was found was the original site of the Coca-Cola bottling operation, making the discovery a significant piece of Atlanta's history.

Why it matters

The discovery of the Coca-Cola artifact highlights the importance of preserving Atlanta's rich history and culture. As other historic buildings in the city have been torn down, Nortica's purchase of the property was specifically to help preserve its history. The barrel serves as a visual reminder of Atlanta's achievements and successes over the past century.

The details

Nortica, the president of Inman Park Properties, bought the Atlanta residence in September for $1 million. The new homeowner discovered the Coca-Cola barrel hidden in the attic of the home once owned by beverage company magnate Asa Candler. The building where the barrel was found was the original site of the Coca-Cola bottling operation. Nortica has hired Alison Gordon, a born-and-raised Atlanta native, to help restore the building, and they are partnering with the Atlanta Preservation Center to complete the project. Nortica listed the property for $3 million so a new tenant can financially help the project reach its full potential.

  • Nortica bought the property in September 2026.
  • The Coca-Cola barrel likely dates back to the 1900s.

The players

Jeff Nortica

The president of Inman Park Properties who purchased the 135-year-old Atlanta home to help preserve its history.

Asa Candler

The beverage company magnate who previously owned the home where the Coca-Cola barrel was found.

Alison Gordon

A born-and-raised Atlanta native hired by Nortica to help restore the historic building.

The Atlanta Preservation Center

The organization partnering with Nortica and Gordon to complete the restoration project.

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What they’re saying

“It's extremely exciting to be involved with something that is so quintessentially Atlanta.”

— Jeff Nortica, President of Inman Park Properties

“One of the things is just being more in the public of what we're trying to do here and to move this forward.”

— Jeff Nortica, President of Inman Park Properties

“It has served as a visual reminder to our achievements and our successes and our hopes and dreams.”

— W. Wright Mitchell, President and CEO of The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

What’s next

Nortica and his team plan to continue the restoration of the historic building, working with the Atlanta Preservation Center to ensure the property's rich history is preserved for future generations.

The takeaway

The discovery of the rare Coca-Cola artifact in a 135-year-old Atlanta home highlights the importance of preserving the city's cultural heritage. By investing in the restoration of historic buildings, homeowners like Nortica can help safeguard Atlanta's past and ensure its unique character endures.