Ponce City Market

Ever wonder what a 1920s Sears catalog warehouse has in common with a rooftop amusement park? Right here at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, that seemingly impossible combination comes to life. Ponce City Market isn’t just a shopping mall. It’s a vibrant community hub, a historical landmark, and a testament to Atlanta’s ever-evolving spirit. Originally built in 1926, this colossal structure served as a Sears, Roebuck & Co. retail store, warehouse, and regional office. Imagine farmers tuning into the “Dinner Bell RFD” radio show broadcast from the Sears tower, eager for market updates and musical entertainment. From 1930 to 1947, the back lot buzzed with activity as farmers sold their goods directly to city dwellers at the Sears Farmers Market. Ponce City Market has revived this tradition with its own seasonal farmers market, connecting urban residents with local producers. After Sears departed in 1979, the building took on a new role as City Hall East. But its story didn’t end there. In 2011, developer Jamestown purchased the building and embarked on an ambitious renovation project. The result? Ponce City Market, a 2.1-million-square-foot mixed-use development that seamlessly blends retail, dining, office space, and residential units. Ponce City Market pays homage to its past in delightful ways. Skyline Park, the rooftop amusement park, echoes the spirit of the former Ponce de Leon amusement park, which once stood on this very ground. Nine Mile Station, the rooftop beer garden, gets its name from a nearby streetcar stop on the old Ponce de Leon line. And Spiller Park Coffee? It’s a nod to the bygone Ponce de Leon Ballpark, where baseball legends like Babe Ruth once played. Ponce City Market also boasts an impressive lineup of culinary talent. James Beard Award-winning chefs have set up shop in the Central Food Hall, offering everything from fresh seafood to handcrafted pasta. So, the next time you’re at Ponce City Market, take a moment to appreciate its rich history. From its Sears catalog days to its current incarnation as a bustling community hub, Ponce City Market truly embodies the spirit of Atlanta.