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In the early 1900s, Atlanta experienced heavy congestion from horses, cars, pedestrians and trains. To solve this, a series of viaducts were built to move the city above train tracks. These viaducts covered the lower parts of buildings, causing merchants to reopen storefronts on higher ground.
In 1969 after nearly 40 years of abandonment, the area below was discovered by investors and turned into an entertainment district similar to NOLA’s French Quarter. Underground Atlanta was a hot spot until closing in the early 80s.
It reopened as a mall in 1989 and will soon reopen again as mixed-use property.
– Savanna Sweeney, The 100 Companies