Mayor Kasim Reed signed legislation that preserves the architectural character and history of Collier Heights, one of the most significant African-American communities in the City of Atlanta. The action is the final step in designating the residential community in northwest Atlanta as a local Historic District.
During the late 1950’s, Collier Heights thrived with new residential development and has long been considered a quintessential example of modern home design for upper- and middle-class African-Americans who flocked to the then suburban area for new housing options unavailable to them during segregation.
“Collier Heights represents an extraordinarily intact post- World War II suburban development where many of Atlanta’s notable civic and business leaders made their home during the era of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement,” said Mayor Reed. “It is a privilege for my administration to play a part in preserving a unique architectural community that many legendary African-American business and civic leaders made their home.”
As the newest City of Atlanta historic district, Collier Heights is protected from new construction and design alternations to a property’s exterior. All proposals for new construction, additions, exterior renovations, demolitions and changes on the property are now required to undergo a design review by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission (UDC).
The Department of Planning and Community Development and UDC staff have been working with residents since last year on a plan to add Collier Height to the city’s impressive list of historic places. The City of Atlanta has 18 historic districts.
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