Grant Park Sunburst, ca. 2000 | Courtesy of Louise Shaw and George King
Our city is known for its diversity of neighborhoods, both historic and contemporary. Grant Park is the largest historic district in the city of Atlanta, comprising a large residential area, Oakland Cemetery, Zoo Atlanta, and the actual park itself. The neighborhood is characterized by its architecture—dramatic Victorian facades, modified Queen Anne frame houses, looming turrets, gingerbread porch railings, 20th century bungalows, and diminutive cottages. At the neighborhood’s heart is a rolling green space, dedicated in 1883 as the city’s first public park.
Throughout the neighborhood, residents display sunburst signs like this to support the ongoing efforts of the Grant Park Neighborhood Association. According to their website, “the sunburst is a symbol of restoration and cohesion of the neighborhood and takes its design from similar architectural decorative patterns found on many of the homes in Grant Park.”
Learn more about Atlanta’s unique neighborhoods by exploring our online exhibition, Atlanta in 50 Objects, and by visiting us in person to tour Gatheround: Stories of Atlanta.