Artifact #5: Ponce de Leon Avenue

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View of the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and North Avenue from an overlooking bridge

Storefronts and automobiles along Ponce de Leon Ave, 1930. AJCP338-037k, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

Horse-drawn carriage along Ponce de Leon Avenue, 1890.
AJCN147-164a, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

Ponce de Leon Avenue, the street Ponce City Market resides on, serves as a historic and popular street that extends throughout the heart of Atlanta dating back for centuries. In the late 1800’s, the street emerged as a railroad track. As shown in the photograph to the left, civilians traveled via horse-drawn carriage or by train along Ponce de Leon Avenue. The street paralleled Atlanta’s prominence as a railroad hub within the country. As industrialization influenced Atlanta, the road evolved to coincide with technological advances. Throughout the 1930’s, the road expanded to transport automobiles while the its perimeters developed numerous storefronts for Atlantans, as seen in the image below. In the mid-twentieth century, businesses accumulated throughout Ponce de Leon, including Ford Motor Company, Fox Theater, Georgian Terrace Hotel, and more. Additionally, nightlife became prevalent throughout Ponce with the establishment of numerous bars, clubs, music venues, and diners. Currently, Ponce de Leon Avenue offers a variety of developments including residential spaces, businesses, recreation, and retail. When traveling alongside this extensive avenue, an individual can attend a concert, eat from unlimited cuisines, buy groceries, purchase luxury items, discover local businesses, and view countless housing! Notably, Ponce City Market managed to incorporate the variety of properties alongside Ponce de Leon Avenue into a singular mixed-use structure that serves as a center for Atlanta businesses, residences, and consumers. As opposed to traveling upon a lengthy avenue to meet different needs, civilians have the opportunity to find unlimited items solely in one location. Interestingly, both Ponce de Leon Avenue and Ponce City Market have rich histories that have shaped their current developments. When walking through Ponce de Leon Avenue, different socioeconomic classes are present. Closest in proximity to the market, more expensive, posh housing exists. The further one walks, the housing seems more reasonably priced. Additionally, the streets aren’t popularized by many pedestrians unless close to Ponce City Market or other renown attractions. Otherwise, more cars pass than people.

Storefronts and automobiles along Ponce de Leon Ave, 1930. AJCP338-037k, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

Storefronts and automobiles along Ponce de Leon Ave, 1930.
AJCP338-037k, Atlanta Journal-Constitution Photographic Archives. Special Collections and Archives, Georgia State University Library.

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