Unlock the Treasures of Atlanta's Urban Design History

Atlanta Urban Design Commission: A Preserver of Heritage

The Atlanta Department of Budget and Planning established the Atlanta Urban Design Commission (AUDC) in 1975 as part of the Historic Preservation Program. Its mandate was to maintain and enhance the city through the preservation of historical and architectural assets. The AUDC is responsible for developing and administering various historic preservation and urban design activities, such as designating zoning protection for significant buildings, sites, and districts.

It not only reviews public art works and city infrastructure but also organizes programs to increase public awareness about historic preservation and urban design. In 2017, it became part of the Department of City Planning within the Office of Design, further strengthening its role in shaping the city's urban landscape.

Manuscript Collections: A Window into Atlanta's Past

Most of the manuscript collections pertain to historic nominations, with a focus on architectural surveys that describe building structures and neighborhoods. These surveys provide detailed information such as the building's address, owner, neighborhood, condition, history, construction date, and local significance. There are also historic nomination forms that document the nominee's history, correspondence, meeting minutes, and nomination and acceptance packets.

For example, the historic nomination forms from Sears, Roebuck and Company offer valuable insights into specific aspects of Atlanta's history. Neighborhood architectural survey forms for Downtown showcase the diversity and significance of different areas within the city.

Visual Arts Collection: A Visual Journey through Atlanta

The visual arts collection is divided into three series, each offering a unique perspective. Series I focuses on neighborhoods, with over 100 neighborhoods represented, including Adair Park, Ansley Park, and many more. Images such as the Downtown – Dedication of Sweet Auburn neighborhood highlight important moments in Atlanta's history.

Series II contains historic property survey forms with attached photographs, depicting residences, streetscapes, and various structures. Select surveys include before and after images, documenting changes over time. Series III includes maps of Atlanta, neighborhoods, and buildings, providing a comprehensive view of the city's spatial layout.

Nearly 4,000 images from the AUDC visual arts collection have been digitized and are available on Album. Researchers can contact our digital services manager at images@atlantahistorycenter.com to obtain copies. The Kenan Research Center staff is also in the process of processing the final collection funded by the NHPRC grant: the Atlanta Real Estate Board appraisals. To learn more about researching historic locations in Atlanta, watch the recordings from our first three webinars on the Atlanta History Center's NHPRC landing page or sign up for our fourth webinar, Ownership & Sale Records of Land and Buildings, scheduled for March 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.