digATL | The Digital Atlanta Portal

Student project from GSU Department of Geosciences. With more than 80,000 acres of tree cover inside the Perimeter, Atlanta leads the nation in urban tree cover; approximately 47% of the city has significant tree growth. Atlanta’s forest is home to over 50 species of native trees, which work to reduce carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, conserve and filter water, serve as habitats for native and endemic species throughout the Piedmont region, cool neighborhoods, and serve as recreational areas. In a city where the tree canopy is already being lost, is submerged in its own wastewater, is experiencing extreme climate change, including enhanced heatwaves, and other factors documented here, the current threat of deforestation has placed the city’s trees in an historically critical situation. Launched 2022; last accessed 2022-10-15 

Historic District Information Form authored and submitted by GSU Case Studies in Historic Preservation students, Spring 2017. Located partially in the City of Atlanta, DeKalb County and in unincorporated DeKalb County, East Atlanta is a good example of an evolving suburb. In the late 19th and early 20th century the area was an urban neighborhood that relied on the streetcar system and by World War II had evolved into an automobile-reliant suburban. Development progressed from a densely gridded street pattern in the northern portion indicating a traditional urban neighborhood to a curvilinear street pattern in the southern section indicating an automobile-centric suburb. The area includes at least three commercial nodes, a variety of historic houses and community and commercial buildings, a cemetery, a park, a Civil War monument, and five state historic markers.

Design guidelines prepared by graduate students in the Preservation Planning Class of Georgia State University’s Heritage Preservation Program under the direction of Richard Laub and Mary Ann Eaddy, Spring 2011. These guidelines explain and interpret general design criteria in the local preservation ordinance for Decatur, serves as a tool to guide preliminary design decisions, preserves historic character of the area, protects and stabilizes property values, makes suggestions for design appropriateness and provides neighborhood continuity, stability and predictability in assessing future change. The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations that aid in the preservation of the unique architectural and historic character of the city. The recommendations incorporate and revise the Design Supplement to the Decatur Historic Preservation Resource Manual, developed in 1997, the McDonough-Adams-King the Guidelines for MAK district property owners, developed in 2008, and the Historic Resource Survey: Final Report, City of Decatur, Georgia, September 1, 2009, developed in 2009. Students consulted with the Historic Preservation Commission of Decatur to ensure that these revisions accurately reflect the intent of Decatur’s local historic designations and the design review process. We hope that consideration of these recommendations will aid in the preservation of the unique architectural and historic character of the city. The Historic Preservation Planning Class would like to extend its appreciation to Regina Brewer and the entire Decatur Historic Preservation Commission for their support. We would also like to grate fully acknowledge the express help of Laura Drummond, Ken Kocher, Andrew Kohr, and the staff of the DeKalb History Center and Decatur Branch of DeKalb Public Library.

Prepared by the Spring 2006 Preservation Planning Class. These Design Guidelines explain and interpret general design criteria in the local preservation ordinance in Old Decatur, serves as a tool to guide preliminary design decisions, preserves historic character of the area, protects and stabilizes property values, makes suggestions for design appropriateness and provides neighborhood continuity, stability and predictability in assessing future change. The purpose of this report is to provide recommendations that aid in the preservation of the unique architectural and historic character of the city.

Prepared by the Spring of 2013 Case Studies in Historic Preservation class. The Decatur Northwest Residential area is an outstanding representation of early to mid-twentieth century revival house styles. The district has remained consistent to its historic twentieth century layout and context. This Historic District Information Form (HIDF) has been compiled in anticipation of its submission to the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office Review Board. Following approval, it would be sent to the National Parks service for The National Register of Historic Places.

Information form for the historic district known as Kirkwood. Contains Sanborn maps, early plattings of the properties, interviews, as well as historic photographs and newspaper clippings.

Date created:
Spring 2002

National Register Nomination Proposal to preserve the neighborhood known as Pittsburgh, located south of Mechanicsville. This traditionally African American neighborhood is bordered by railroad tracks. This resource includes a large map as well as various smaller maps, photographs, and primary sources on the area.

Date created:
Spring 2004

The purpose of this tour is to have students explore some of the locations on or near GSU’s campus in Raymond Andrews’ memoir Once Upon a Time in Atlanta (Chattahoochee Review, v18, n2, 1998) and to provide some information about the Sweet Auburn District, the setting for most of the memoir. The tour is not meant to be an official tour of the Sweet Auburn District.

Raymond Andrews came to Atlanta in 1949, when he was 15 years old, to attend high school and work. While he went to school and worked outside of the neighborhood, Andrews lived in Sweet Auburn. This area was often considered the wealthiest African American business district in the U.S. for much of the early to mid-twentieth century. Andrews was here during the area’s heyday. Sweet Auburn developed after the 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre as black businesses moved out of the more integrated downtown area to avoid growing racial tensions during the rise of the Jim Crow era. For decades, the area was a prosperous foundation for African American business, culture, and leadership. The neighborhood played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, and is now home to many historic landmarks.

In the late twentieth century, the Sweet Auburn District faced many economic hardships after an interstate was built dividing the neighborhood, white flight to the suburbs, and the displacement of many African American neighborhoods by Urban Renewal. For the past few decades, the neighborhood has often been listed as one of the most endangered historic places in the country. As GSU grows, our campus has moved increasingly into Sweet Auburn.

Related resource
ATLMaps – https://atlmaps.org

Part one of a historic structure report on the Wrecking Bar, formerly the Kriegshaber House, built in 1900 and located at 292 Moreland Avenue, NE. Includes detailed drawings, photographs, and conditions assessments of the historic building. This document provides an extensive history of the building and includes recommendations for future use and treatment based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Part two of a historic structure report on the Wrecking Bar, formerly the Kriegshaber House, built in 1900 and located at 292 Moreland Avenue, NE. Includes detailed drawings, photographs, and conditions assessments of the historic building. This document provides an extensive history of the building and includes recommendations for future use and treatment based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Proposed design guidelines for the Virginia-Highland Historic District were developed to promote preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings and new construction. Presented within are recommendations for appropriate building materials and design. The guidelines are mean to serve as a tool to property owners and commission members during the design review process.

Date created:
Spring 2009