Should'a Listened To Booker T Washington And Developed More Black Brick Masons - Historic Buildings Within The Sweet Auburn District In Atlanta Under Threat From Decay And Demolition

Sweet Auburn district listed as endangered

This story should be of no surprise to anyone who has ventured into the "King Compound" (The Sweet Auburn area" of downtown Atlanta).

While the massive renovation and construction that took place a few years ago with the venture between 'Big Bethel AME" and "Bank Of America" razed a few of the old buildings and  produced a few condos and street level retail/ dining - there are several other buildings that are in a state of disrepair.

The erosion is a symptom not "the" problem.
The real problem is that the area and its building-space is underutlilzed and needs to be rechristened into a new purpose.

While it is grand to see the "historical markers" outside of various buildings - I would much rather see a steady stream of college students from the neighboring Georgia State University making use of these buildings, their economic activity serving as a revenue source for the local vendors that adopted, changed and have survived the transition of the area.


From The AJC Article:

The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday named Atlanta's Sweet Auburn district to its list of most endangered historic places.The list spotlights historic sites that are in risk of destruction or damage. The Sweet Auburn district is considered endangered due to the number of buildings in danger of being torn down or at risk due to neglect.
"The Sweet Auburn Historic District continues to be in need of a preservation-focused commercial revitalization plan to avert deterioration and inappropriate development that will gravely impact its historic character," the National Trust said in a statement before Wednesday's announcement.