Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) recently celebrated the completion of a major capital project along Auburn Avenue.

The Auburn Avenue Historic and Cultural Information Project includes two major components: 

1. The installation of (21) new interpretive and (4) gateway signs along Auburn Avenue between Peachtree Street and Boulevard.

2. A large scale (270’ W x 22’ H) mural enhancement to the existing bridge underpass at Auburn Avenue and Interstate 75/85.

The 21 new interpretive signs and 4 gateway signs, designed by Sky Design, have replaced previous interpretive signs installed by the Corporation of Olympic Development in Atlanta (CODA) in 1995. Sign content was developed in partnership with project historian Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado.

The mural enhancement features large scale images of historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural institutions which exist or previously existed along Auburn Avenue. The mural design team was led by husband and wife Ron Huffman (of Wood PLC) and Therese Huffman (of Signature Design). Project elements were fabricated and installed by DeNyse Companies, and the underpass lighting elements were installed by Brooks Berry Haynie & Associates.

Made possible by Transportation Enhancement (TE) funding from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and funding from CAP/ADID, the project enhances the aesthetic quality of the existing bridge infrastructure and the pedestrian experience along Auburn Avenue, all while reflecting the unique history and culture of the surrounding community. The project’s advisory team – without whom the project would not have been possible – was comprised of several community organizations and neighborhood leaders who guided the project’s overall design and served as content editors. 

"More than fifty years ago, Auburn Avenue was a main thoroughfare on the highway to freedom and justice, serving as the headquarters for the churches, businesses and institutions that drove the American Civil Rights movement. How appropriate that GDOT would augment the local investment into this historic community through its Transportation Enrichment (TE) program,” said Stacey Key, who represents the 5th Congressional district on the GDOT State Transportation Board. 

“Thanks to the funding made available by the TE program, this project will honor the rich history of this corridor and enhance the aesthetic appeal of an area that gave life to so many African American entrepreneurs, trailblazers and noteworthy institutions."

Community members are encouraged to visit the mural and signage along the avenue to learn more about Sweet Auburn’s rich legacy.