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Neighborhood Info
This map shows street art, murals, and graffiti in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. Even during the era of segregation the Old 4th Ward was a racial patchwork where blacks and whites lived next to each other. The neighborhood was also an economically diverse area with some of the city’s most desirable residential streets in close proximity to festering slums.
The Old 4th Ward has followed the same pattern as many of Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods: prosperity and fashionability followed by decline and despair followed by revitalization and gentrification. Gentrification began in the Old Fourth Ward in the 1980’s and still continues today.
Part of the neighborhood’s history was preserved when the former Sears, Roebuck & Company building was converted to Ponce City Market a mixed use development attracting fashionistas and foodies. Historic Old 4th Ward Park, home to several annual festivals, is immediately south of Ponce City Market. There’s a large skatepark at the south end of Old Fourth Ward Park. I’m told that Tony Hawk himself has skated there. You might also check out the hip nightlife along Edgewood Ave. near Boulevard. Also check out 54 Columns, an art installation by Sol Lewitt at the corner of Highland Ave and Glen Iris Drive.
Street Art in the Neighborhood
Old 4th Ward has lots of street art! And the street art is not just in one place, it’s all over the neighborhood. The Outer Space Project and Art on the Atlanta BeltLine are responsible for much of Old 4th Ward’s street art. You will find several murals along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. There is another concentration of great murals along Edgewood Ave. If you have some extra time, you can continue on the BeltLine beyond Old Fourth Ward; see the BeltLine Eastside Trail Map. There are also more murals on Edgewood Ave. beyond Old Fourth Ward; check out the Edgewood Ave Map.