Atkin Park

Did you know a streetcar suburb could have such charm? Atkin Park, tucked away in Atlanta, Georgia, is a testament to a bygone era. This little pocket of history, nestled between Virginia-Highland and Briarcliff, is more than just three streets and a quirky sidewalk. Atkin Park whispers stories of a time when streetcars ruled the roads and farmland was a common sight. Atkin Park began its life not as a park, but as farmland. Edwin Wiley Grove, the man behind Asheville’s Grove Park Inn, saw potential in this land in the early 1900s. He envisioned a streetcar suburb, a quick escape from Atlanta’s bustle, connected by the Nine-Mile Circle streetcar line. Initially called St. Louis Park, it was renamed Atkin Park to honor Colonel John DeWitt Clinton Atkins, a prominent figure who served in both the U.S. and Confederate Congresses. Atkin Park’s original design included a unique internal sidewalk, Malcolm’s Way, created to provide faster access to the Ponce de Leon Avenue streetcar stop. Imagine residents hurrying along this path, eager to catch the next streetcar downtown. Atkin Park also boasts a 27-acre section listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation protects the neighborhood’s unique architectural blend of Colonial Revival, Bungalow/Craftsman, and Tudor Revival styles. A visit to Atkin Park offers a glimpse into a community that values its past. While formally part of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood for civic matters, Atkin Park maintains its own community association, APNA, a testament to its independent spirit. So, next time you’re in Atlanta, ditch the car and wander through Atkin Park. Let the quiet streets and charming homes transport you back to a simpler time. You might just discover a hidden gem in this streetcar suburb turned historic treasure.