Every city has a commercial district that has seen better days. Every city also has an example of a district that has gentrified in recent decades. However, it may be difficult to find good examples of withintrification of minority-led neighborhood commercial revitalization.

Before: Intersection of Main and Columbia Streets in 1996. (National Park Service)

After: Intersection of Main and Columbia Streets in October 2020 (Ennis Davis, AICP)

Ever wonder what an urban core commercial strip like Jacksonville’s A. Philip Randolph Blvd or Savannah’s West Broad Street could resemble after revitalization that reflects the tastes of the existing community?

Before: The intersection of Main Street and Harvard Avenue in 1996. (National Park Service)

After: The intersection of Main Street and Harvard Avenue in October 2020. (Ennis Davis, AICP)

Look no further than Main Street in College Park, GA. A part of the Georgia Main Street Program, its transformation into a largely Black-owned restaurant and business district is awe inspiring.

According to a December 2019 Atlanta Magazine article, the revitalization process was said to be the perfect storm result of real estate availability, community enthusiasm, savvy social-media marketing and a more-is-more attitude among patrons looking for multiple dining options in close proximity.

3841 East Main Street in 1996. (National Park Service)

3841 East Main Street in October 2020. (Ennis Davis, AICP)

Next Page: Main Street College Park