Hotel District in Atlanta in Fulton County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Auburn Avenue Underpass

Auburn Avenue

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

1. Auburn Avenue Underpass Marker

Inscription. Pause and look up at this massive overpass: an entire block of Black-owned businesses were demolished to construct it. Buildings and businesses lost included Simmons Shoe Repair, Jordan Photography Studio, Star Cab Stand, Henray's Five and Dime, and Club Zanzibar, a popular night spot of the 1940s.

The highway's curving ramps and towering walls drove a concrete wedge through the Auburn Avenue community, separating businesses from customers and from one another. The community's physical cohesiveness and economic vitality were severely compromised, and the avenue's hard-won legacy of prosperity suffered for years to come. Today, the overpass lies at the center of a revitalization program designed to reunite this commercial corridor and pay tribute to the Black-owned businesses, shops, and restaurants that closed their doors forever in this section of Auburn Avenue. (Marker Number 7.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 33° 45.338′ N, 84° 22.745′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County. It is in the Hotel District. Marker is on Auburn Avenue NE east of Bell Street NE, on the left when

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traveling west. Marker is west of the Interstate 85 overpass at Auburn Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlanta GA 30303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Integration of the Police Department (within shouting distance of this marker); Hanley's Funeral Home (within shouting distance of this marker); Odd Fellows Building and Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Soul Food Row (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dobbs Plaza (about 400 feet away); Bronner Brothers Store (about 400 feet away); Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 20, 2021

2. Auburn Avenue Underpass Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 2. submitted on November 22, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.