Built by Texans. Built to Last.
Built by Texans. Built to Last.
Our Heritage
Three generations. 45+ years. Thousands of happy customers. And it all started with one family building sheds by hand in Tyler, Texas.
The Family
First Generation
1981 – 2015
Founded Atlas Portable Buildings with his wife Shirley in their Tyler, TX backyard. Built every shed by hand — metal, all nails, no screws. Set the standard the family has kept ever since.
Second Generation
CEO, Present
Has run Atlas alongside his father since the early days. Grew the company from a single backyard operation into a 7-location business serving East Texas and the DFW Metroplex.
The story
continues.
Est. 1981 — Tyler, Texas
Third Generation
Today & Tomorrow
William Jr.'s sons now lead key parts of the business — keeping Atlas family-owned, family-run, and committed to the same standards their grandfather set in 1981.
The Story
In 1981, behind a house in Tyler, Texas, William F. Downs, Sr. and his wife Shirley — with the help of their son, William Jr. — started building sheds by hand. Metal sheds. All nails, no screws. Every one built from scratch, 100% by hand. They called it Atlas Portable Buildings.
Tyler's population was around 70,000 back then. The Downs family wasn't trying to build an empire. They were trying to build something honest — quality structures at fair prices for their neighbors. That turned out to be a formula that works.
“When my father started Atlas in 1981, customer service was a top priority. As we've grown, we've kept customer satisfaction first. I credit that to our success.”
At a time when big box stores offer self-assembly, made-overseas plastic sheds, Atlas still builds them to last — with wood, by hand, using quality framing and materials. Every structure is built by experienced craftsmen who take pride in their work. That's not a marketing line. That's a 45-year track record.
The product line has expanded far beyond those original metal sheds. Today, Atlas Building Systems builds storage sheds, cabins, tiny homes, carports, garages, decks, patio covers, fences, greenhouses, arbors, and installs above-ground pools. Everything a Texas family needs to make the most of their outdoor space.
Atlas has always believed in giving back. The company partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Smith County to build a barn-style playhouse for their fundraising event. In 2014, they helped raise the walls on Habitat's 101st home in Tyler. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, the Downs family invested in each employee going through the Legacy Letter Challenge — giving every team member the resources to write a meaningful letter to their children.
The Journey
William F. Downs, Sr. founds Atlas Portable Buildings in Tyler, TX.
Expansion to multiple East Texas locations.
Manufacturing facility opens in Wills Point, TX.
Partners with Habitat for Humanity — helps raise the walls on Tyler's 101st Habitat home.
Founder William F. Downs, Sr. passes at 76, leaving a legacy still growing.
Launches Atlas Spas & Swim Spas division.
Celebrates 40 years — invests in every employee through the Legacy Letter Challenge.
Rebrands to Atlas Building Systems to reflect the full product line. Third generation leading.
Visit one of our 7 Texas showrooms and see why thousands of families trust Atlas with their backyard.