Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Atlanta's Vine City neighborhood was destroyed in the name of urban renewal. Image: PEDSAtlanta
Atlanta's Vine City neighborhood was destroyed in the name of urban renewal. Image: @PEDSAtlanta
false

Ever heard of Atlanta's Vine City? No? That could be because it was largely obliterated by urban renewal two generations ago.

These side-by-side images shared today by Darin at ATL Urbanist show the street grid in Vine City, near downtown Atlanta, in 1911 and today. And Darin says the city is poised to expand this hole in the city's fabric:

I found this image on the PEDS Twitter feed: look at the wonderful street grid we lost when the enormous state-owned Georgia World Congress Center/Georgia Dome complex was built on land connecting Vine City to Downtown.

The footprint of this property is actually being expanded with construction the new Falcons stadium, demolishing two community churches along the way.

This GWCC complex is a remnant of 1960s-70s “urban renewal” developments that aimed to revitalize city centers, like Downtown Atlanta, that were suffering from suburban flight.

Far from a success. the urban-renewal movement was a failure when it comes to good placemaking. It has left us with disconnected neighborhoods that are surrounded by megablocks and wide roads built for maximum car capacity.

Elsewhere on the Network today: Bike Portland shares a cool video showing off temporary pedestrian spaces Portland recently created as part of a "Better Block" event. Greater Greater Washington examines migration within the DC area for different demographic groups. And Bikemore reflects on the death of a local cyclist, killed on a cross-country charity ride.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Best of 2024: Yes, People Bike In ‘Bad’ Weather — If We Support Them

Good policy can mean the difference between people getting in the saddle or not — even when Mother Nature is at her worst.

December 26, 2024

Tuesday’s Headlines Are the Reason for the Season

An MTA worker's delightful after-work hobby, a viral sidewalk meme revisited and a few wonkier deep dives to get you through the holidays.

December 24, 2024

Best of 2024: The Real (Disappointing) Reason Why Gen Z Is Getting Fewer Drivers Licenses

Yes, fewer young adults are getting behind the wheel. No, it doesn't mean car culture is doomed.

December 24, 2024

Streetsblog Year in Review: The Biggest Sustainable Transport News of 2024

It was a busy year in the movement to end car dependency — and there's a lot more to come.

December 23, 2024

Monday’s Headlines Are Knocked Out by Greenways

Greenways are helping to revitalize cities, but how well are they integrated into the overall transportation system?

December 23, 2024
See all posts