Old 4th Ward Timeline

  • Great Atlanta Fire

    Great Atlanta Fire

    Hot temperatures and strong winds started a fire which burned down around 1900 buildings, mostly wooden homes. It forced O4W to rebuild buildings with bricks.
  • National NuGrape Building constructed

    National NuGrape Building constructed

    It was the headquarters of a soda company and a symbol of the change from traditional to modern architecture. Also secured O4W's industrial identity.
  • Empire Manufacturing Building built

    Empire Manufacturing Building built

    One of the many large industrial and commercial buildings constructed in the area. Helped kick off O4W's art and creative character.
  • Sears, Roebuck Building declines

    Sears, Roebuck Building declines

    The huge Sears distribution center loses function. Signifies O4W's economic downturn and loss of industry at the time.
  • Period: to

    Housing declines

    Many homes deteriorated or were demolished and the population dropped. However, this also set up O4W for redevelopment later on
  • NuGrape Building converted into residential lofts

    NuGrape Building converted into residential lofts

    The building was remade into lofts, signifying O4W's revitalization.
  • Period: to

    Early BeltLine work + land clearing begins

    Industrial tracks were removed as pathways and parks were starting to be constructed. The start of O4W becoming more walkable.
  • Period: to

    Surge of luxury apartments

    Large apartment complexes like AMLI, BOHO4W, Station 464 began to be constructed throughout the O4W area. This changed the O4W skyline but also raised property values.
  • Historic Fourth Ward Park opens

    The park filled unused industrial areas with greenery and open areas in O4W. It kickstarted nearby development in O4W.
  • BeltLine Eastside Trail opens

  • Ponce City Market opens

  • Period: to

    Gentrification and Residential Booms