Druid Hills Historic District (Atlanta, Georgia)
The Druid Hills Historic District is a historic district in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, comprising the planned community of Druid Hills. Developed beginning in 1893 by Joel Hurt and designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Druid Hills is considered one of the earliest examples of a suburban planned community in the United States. Its design emphasized curvilinear streets, parks, and green spaces, all integrated with residential areas.
The district is significant for its landscape architecture, community planning, and architecture. Olmsted's design principles for Druid Hills incorporated naturalistic settings and a hierarchy of roadways, ranging from grand boulevards to smaller residential streets. The architecture of the homes in Druid Hills reflects various styles popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, and Italian Renaissance.
Druid Hills includes Emory University, which was relocated to the area in 1915. The university's campus buildings were designed to complement Olmsted's original plans.
The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. The Druid Hills Civic Association plays an active role in preserving the character of the neighborhood. The boundaries of the historic district are roughly bounded by Briarcliff Road, Ponce de Leon Avenue, Clifton Road, and the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. The district contributes significantly to Atlanta's architectural and historical identity.