Reader Makes Compelling Case for Historic Adams Park

Wilbert Allen grew up attending Halloween parties and singing Christmas carols in the streets of Adams Park, a leafy Southwest Atlanta neighborhood about a mile from the Beltline's Westside Trail. Now a real estate broker and student in Georgia Tech's Building Construction Masters Degree program, Allen wants to raise the profile of a community he feels is overshadowed by historic brethren like West End and Adair Park — and one that could use an injection of new blood. "In my opinion, Adams Park, like other communities, needs a new influx of young diversified professional pioneers with new ideas," Allen tells Curbed. "Together they can collaborate with the older neighbors and improve the community." Allen renovates and sells properties in the area in his spare time, so he has a vested interest, but his passion for "the amazing home styles," the 18-hole golf course and "magnificent park" of his boyhood stomping ground is real. Allen took the time recently to highlight some Adams Park historical trivia and potential selling points that just might surprise you. He calls it one of Atlanta's best-kept secrets.

· Adams Park is home to the oldest house in Atlanta that was actually built here. Allen's research indicates the home still stands at its original location — 1571 Willis Mill Road — from 1840. Which, by Atlanta standards, is pretty much prehistoric.

· In 2013, portions of Adams Park were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its stellar landscape design and stonework.

· Allen says, from here, it's eight miles to downtown and less than three to several MARTA stations.

· Noted Atlanta landscaper William L. Monroe Sr. (his other credits include Chastain Park) originally designed the neighborhood's namesake park. It covers 158 acres that, in Allen's estimation, are "great for walking dogs, a light jog or just a light stroll with the family, with plenty of amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, lake, playgrounds, several baseball fields and a gymnasium."

· The Civil War Battle of Utoy Creek was fought throughout the community in 1864. The 18-hole Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course, in fact, has one of the few remaining Confederate sites still visible in the city, with a plaque behind the fifth green explaining the nature of the Confederate defense system that protected Atlanta, Allen says.

· Primarily built between 1940 and 1975, the housing stock in Adams Park ranges from ranches and bungalows to stately two-story brick homes. "The homes in this area have been able to hold their historical character without sacrificing luxury, no matter what era the home was built," Allen says.

· Allen also makes this pitch for a classic local eatery: "If you're looking for good Southern cafeteria-style food, try the iconic 'Beautiful Restaurant.' (It's) been featured in many magazines and films."

· To see the neighborhood in full swing, Allen recommends attending APCAFEST, an event-packed gathering held the fourth weekend in September.

And now, for a look around ...

· Adams Park in southwest Atlanta listed on National Registry of Historic Places for landscape, stonework [Saporta Report]