Landmark Property of the Week

Landmark Property
Piedmont Park
When was it built?
The park was originally a forest that was turned into farmland by the Walker family in the mid-1800s. Several exhibitions and fairs took place at the park during the late 1800s. The most significant was the Piedmont Exposition of 1887 and the Cotton and international Exposition of 1895. These fairs resulted in the creation of many of the features still in the park today, including the ball fields, the 11.5-acre Clara Meer lake, and the stone balustrades scattered around the park. The City of Atlanta officially purchased the park in 1904
Where is it located?
In Midtown at 1320 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Who built it?
The park was built in pieces over the course of several decades by different parties. First the Walker family, then the exposition organizers, then the City of Atlanta in the 1900s. The Piedmont Park Conservatory was formed in 1989 to create a public-private partnership to rehab and maintain the park and has raised over $66 million to complete the Olmsted inspired master plan for the park.
How Big is it?
189 acres
What’s Unique about this Place?
The Olmstead Brothers, the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park and Prospect Park in New York, had a major influence on the park’s development. The current master plan for the park was adopted in 1995 and honors the brothers’ original vision

Why Should I Care?
Piedmont Park’s many meadows, trails, and unique settings provide a natural escape from the busy city to have a picnic, visit friends, go for a run, or enjoy a leisurely stroll. The park is also a great place to get out and enjoy its many festivals and events such as The Dogwood Festival, The Arts Festival of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra