Inman Park: Atlanta's First Suburb

Inman Park

Inman Park, Atlanta's first suburb, was first established in the 1880's by the Atlanta businessman and entrepreneur Joel Hurt, who wanted to give Atlanta residents the opportunity to live a "countrylike" existence in close proximity to downtown. In accordance with his vision, Hurt insisted on including large lots, curving streets, and greenspace throughout his garden suburb development. Hurt was also instrumental in developing one of the country's first streetcar systems to provide Inman Park residents with easy access to downtown Atlanta. The Inman Park Trolley Barn, which opened in 1889, served as the site of termination.

By the early 1900's, Inman Park's popularity began to wane as newer elite subdivisions developed to the north, prompted largely the greater mobility found through technological advances in transportation. The neighborhood fell into disrepair. Victorian homes were divided into apartments, and absentee landlords were common. However, by the 1970's Inman Park was rediscovered. On July 22, 1973, Inman Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Inman Park United Methodist Church
The Inman Park United Methodist Church, which dates back to 1966, was designed by Willis Franklin Denny, II. The Church is still active, serving as a "mother church" to many prominent Atlanta organizations including Emory University and the Druid Hills United Methodist Church. The church is located at 1015 Edgewood Avenue.

The Trolley Barn

The Inman Park Trolley Barn, which opened in 1889, served as the site of termination of Atlanta's first electric street rail line, which ran from downtown Atlanta to Inman Park. However, as technology rapidly developed, need for the trolley became obsolete. The barn was then used as a community center, basketball court, and a farmers market, among other uses.

By the mid 20th century, the trolley barn (along with Inman Park as a whole) fell into disrepair, culminating in the 1970's with serious talk of condemnation.

However, by 1976, a group of vocal "urban pioneers" pursuaded the city to purchase the property, and began a restoration project (completed in 1987). The barn is now used as an event rental facility.

Inman School Lofts

The Inman School Lofts, located on Edgewood Avenue in Inman Park, is a loft conversion located in an old school in Inman Park. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.