Built by Texans. Built to Last.
Built by Texans. Built to Last.
Four decades. Thousands of buildings. Three generations of the Downs family. In 2021, Atlas Building Systems celebrated its 40th anniversary — a milestone that few family-owned businesses ever reach.
In 1981, William F. Downs, Sr. and his wife Shirley began building metal sheds by hand in their Tyler, Texas backyard. Every shed was built with nails (no screws), 100% by hand. It was slow, meticulous work — but it was honest work, and Tyler noticed.
The company was called Atlas Portable Buildings back then. Word spread that the Downs family built things right, and demand grew.
Forty years later, Atlas Building Systems operates seven locations across Texas, including a manufacturing facility in Wills Point. The product line has expanded from metal sheds to include wood sheds, cabins, tiny homes, carports, garages, decks, patio covers, fences, greenhouses, arbors, and above-ground pools.
William F. Downs, Jr. now leads the company as CEO, working alongside his sons — the third generation of Downs family builders. The commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer service hasn't changed since day one.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Downs family invested in every employee going through the Legacy Letter Challenge — giving each team member the resources to write a meaningful legacy letter to their children. It's a reflection of what matters most to this family: legacy, community, and the people who make Atlas what it is.
As Atlas enters its fifth decade, the mission remains the same: build honest, quality outdoor structures at fair prices for Texas families. The tools have improved, the product line has grown, and the team is bigger — but the values haven't budged since 1981.
Here's to the next 40 years.
Visit one of our 7 Texas showrooms or get a free quote online.
