I spent this past weekend in Atlanta visiting friends (including blogger
BlueRememberedHills who promises to start blogging again!) and stayed in Ansley Park. Developed in the early 20th century (1905 to be exact) this was the first neighborhood in Atlanta to be built around cars featuring wide winding streets and relatively large lots. Prior neighborhoods were more urban with townhouses and narrower streets for public streetcars. Atlanta obviously took notice as now the city is a sprawling suburban wasteland (oops, did I say that) requiring a car for the most small of errands.
Like many of the most interesting urban neighborhoods the area is mixed with large and small sized houses adjacent to low-rise apartment buildings. And no visit to Atlanta is complete without a few visits to some
Philip T. Schutze designed buildings, the king of southern classicism, such as
The Villa, seen here, and
Swan House.
These well designed apartments prove you don't have to be rich to afford some great classicism in a lovely neighborhood!
I stayed with friends in the
Neel Reid designed apartment building seen above originally named the Della-Manta apartments. The building is known primarily for its' association with author Margaret Mitchell who lived here from 1939 until her death in 1949. Tall ceilings and great floorplans make these classic apartments ideal for modern living.
The neighborhood is littered with one gorgeous old house after the other, a veritable architectural dictionary as each house differs from the next.
Tudor Revivals stand neck and neck to Colonials behind lush lawns.
However this historic district isn't static! It's in constant flux with new beautiful infill being designed by the likes of
McAlpine architects in more modern style. With direct proximity to Midtown as well as city parks and golf courses this is a highly desirable neighborhood.
I especially loved this house by McAlpine which featured beautiful metal sash windows and doors which I saw all throughout the city. The mild climate is perfect for these windows which tend to be problematic further north. Hope you enjoyed this small tour of a great old neighborhood!
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