A Legacy of Preservation and Community Empowerment
In 1980, a group of dedicated civil rights leaders, including Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris, and John Cox, set out on a mission to restore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic District, commonly known as Sweet Auburn, to its former status as an economically diverse and thriving neighborhood. This initiative led to the creation of the Historic District Development Corporation (HDDC), an organization that has grown from a small team of volunteers into a powerful force for change in Atlanta.
Over the past 45 years, HDDC has transformed Sweet Auburn while preserving its historical significance. Chenee Joseph, the President and CEO of HDDC, emphasizes the importance of advocating for neighborhoods like Sweet Auburn, not just for Atlanta but for the entire Deep South. She highlights the growing threat of extinction facing many historically African American communities and stresses the need to protect these areas.
Beyond Affordable Housing: A Holistic Approach
While ensuring the non-displacement of long-time residents is a top priority, HDDC’s work extends far beyond affordable housing. Since its inception, the organization has built or restored over 120 single-family homes, helped launch 95 new businesses, created more than 400 jobs, showcased over 30 local artists in their gallery, and introduced more than 9,000 square feet of community gardens. All of these efforts have involved direct participation from community members.
Joseph describes the relationship between HDDC and the community as one of co-development. “We are the community,” she says. “We’ve been here as long as some of our longest residents, and with that comes a rapport, a relationship. The projects we take on, the initiatives that we begin, we don’t do any of that in a silo.”
Community-Driven Projects
One such project is the Front Porch, a 100,000 square foot mixed-use development that includes affordable housing and retail space, completed in 2022. HDDC engages the community throughout the planning process, asking residents what they want to see from the project and how it could best improve their lives in Sweet Auburn.
Gentrification remains a challenge for many historic neighborhoods, and Joseph acknowledges the delicate balance between revitalization and preservation. “Gentrification is very alive and well, and we’ll take some responsibility for that because when you’ve improved a neighborhood, now people want to be here,” she said. “It’s always that balance of making sure that you’re protecting your history, protecting your culture, while ensuring that you don’t get left in the past.”
Ongoing Initiatives and Future Goals
HDDC is currently working on redeveloping Henderson Place, a $20 million project in partnership with Mercy Housing. This project will transform a 1950s-era building into 76 apartment units with a ground-level community food market, set to be completed by July 2026. Additionally, the organization continues its work through the Sweet Auburn Green and Equitable (SAGE) initiative, which focuses on creating a self-sufficient and sustainable neighborhood.
Looking ahead, Joseph notes that other communities have reached out to HDDC, expressing interest in replicating their model. However, she emphasizes that the organization will only become involved if the residents of those neighborhoods request their help. “I don’t believe in just showing up in neighborhoods,” she said. “I want to be invited and know that we’ve got so many people that recognize the work, appreciate the work, and really want to improve the part of life for the people that live in their neighborhoods and see us as a source that can help them do that.”
Get Involved
For those interested in supporting HDDC’s mission, there are opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the ongoing efforts in Sweet Auburn. Visit hddc.org to learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in this historic neighborhood.
