Atlanta University Center: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Historic HBCU Hub

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) is one of the most important educational and cultural centers in Atlanta, Georgia. Located just west of downtown, it’s the largest contiguous consortium of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the country and a major anchor of the city’s Westside.

Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are researching schools and community resources, understanding the Atlanta University Center will help you better navigate the city’s history, culture, and opportunities.

What Is the Atlanta University Center?

The Atlanta University Center is a consortium of higher-education institutions clustered in the West End and Vine City area, roughly 2–3 miles from downtown Atlanta.

Today, the AUC typically includes:

  • Clark Atlanta University (CAU)
  • Morehouse College
  • Spelman College
  • Morehouse School of Medicine

These institutions share a common history rooted in Black higher education, civil rights leadership, and community uplift. The AUC area is more than just a group of campuses—it’s a neighborhood hub with housing, churches, small businesses, and cultural landmarks that shape Atlanta’s identity.

Where the Atlanta University Center Is Located

The AUC sits in southwest Atlanta, primarily in the West End and Atlanta University Center neighborhood.

Key reference points:

  • About 5–10 minutes by car from downtown Atlanta
  • South of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Vine City
  • Near Interstate 20 and Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. SW

You’ll commonly see references to:

  • Atlanta University Center District or AUC District – the broader area that includes the campuses and adjacent streets.
  • Nearby neighborhoods: West End, Ashview Heights, Vine City, and Castleberry Hill (a bit farther east).

If you’re using navigation, entering any of the member schools’ addresses will guide you right into the heart of the AUC, for example:

  • Clark Atlanta University – 223 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  • Morehouse College – 830 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
  • Spelman College – 350 Spelman Ln. SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Schools That Make Up the Atlanta University Center

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Clark Atlanta University is a private, coeducational HBCU formed by the consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869).

  • Focus areas: Liberal arts, business, education, social work, STEM, and the arts
  • Campus feel: Urban, walkable, with a mix of historic and modern buildings
  • Local note: CAU often hosts public lectures, cultural events, and community outreach programs that Atlanta residents can attend.

Morehouse College

Morehouse College is one of the nation’s best-known all-male HBCUs, with a long history of producing leaders in politics, ministry, business, and the arts.

  • Focus areas: Liberal arts, business, STEM, social sciences
  • Famous alumni: Martin Luther King Jr., Maynard Jackson, Spike Lee (among many others)
  • Local note: Morehouse is a major part of Atlanta’s civil rights legacy and frequently draws visitors interested in history and leadership.

Spelman College

Spelman College is an elite all-women’s HBCU and one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

  • Focus areas: Liberal arts, sciences, global leadership, and women’s empowerment
  • Campus feel: Intimate, historic, and well-landscaped, with a strong emphasis on community
  • Local note: Spelman often hosts arts festivals, exhibitions, and academic conferences that attract attendees from across Atlanta.

Morehouse School of Medicine

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is a graduate-level institution focusing on medical education, research, and community health, especially in underserved communities.

  • Programs: MD, PhD, and various health sciences master’s programs
  • Local note: MSM is involved in many Atlanta-area health initiatives, mobile clinics, and community health education efforts.

What the Atlanta University Center Is Known For

The AUC is central to Atlanta’s identity for several reasons:

1. A Historic Center of Black Higher Education

For over a century, these institutions have educated Black students from Atlanta, the South, and around the world. The area reflects:

  • Longstanding academic excellence
  • Strong traditions of service and leadership
  • A deep connection to Atlanta’s Black middle class and professional community

2. Civil Rights and Social Justice Legacy

The Atlanta University Center played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement:

  • Many student leaders and organizers based their work out of AUC campuses.
  • Faculty and alumni have been central to Atlanta’s political and civic life.
  • The area remains a hub for conversations about social justice, policy, and community change.

For visitors interested in civil rights history, the AUC area pairs naturally with nearby destinations like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, even though that site is on the other side of downtown.

3. Cultural and Arts Hub

The AUC is also a cultural powerhouse:

  • Student productions, concerts, and art shows
  • Guest speakers, symposiums, and film screenings
  • Homecomings and step shows that draw alumni and visitors back to Atlanta every year

These events often spill out into the surrounding neighborhoods, supporting local restaurants, shops, and small venues.

Getting Around the Atlanta University Center

By Car

The AUC is easily reachable from major highways:

  • From I-20, use exits near Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW or Lee St SW/West End.
  • Parking can be limited, especially during events—plan ahead for campus garages or street parking where allowed.

Tip: On game days, homecoming, and large events, the area can be congested. Arrive early and consider transit options.

By MARTA (Public Transit)

The AUC is well-served by MARTA:

  • West End Station (Red/Gold Line) – About a 10–20 minute walk or short bus/ride-share to campus areas.
  • Bus routes serving the West End and AUC neighborhood typically stop along Westview Dr SW, Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW, and surrounding streets.

If you’re staying downtown, Midtown, or near the airport, MARTA can be one of the simplest ways to reach the AUC without dealing with parking.

Walking Within the AUC

Once you’re there, the AUC is generally walkable:

  • The campuses are adjacent or very close to each other.
  • Sidewalks and crosswalks connect the main buildings and student areas.
  • Plan on walking 5–15 minutes between most points of interest.

Living Near the Atlanta University Center

Neighborhoods Around the AUC

Several residential neighborhoods surround the AUC:

  • West End – Historic homes, new developments, and the West End commercial district.
  • Ashview Heights – Primarily residential, close to the campus core.
  • Vine City – North of the AUC, near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
  • Castleberry Hill – A bit farther east, an artsy loft and dining district.

These areas have been going through gradual redevelopment, with a mix of longtime residents, students, and newcomers.

Housing for Students and Locals

Around the AUC, you’ll find:

  • On-campus housing for students (dorms, apartments, residence halls)
  • Off-campus apartments and rental homes
  • Some student-focused housing complexes close to campus

If you’re considering living nearby, pay attention to:

  • Proximity to MARTA stations or bus lines
  • Parking availability (especially if you drive to work or class)
  • Noise levels during major campus events or football season

Working, Studying, or Doing Business in the AUC Area

The Atlanta University Center is not just for students—it’s also a major employment and business area.

Employment and Campus Jobs

The AUC institutions provide jobs in:

  • Teaching and research
  • Administration and student services
  • Facilities, dining, and campus operations

In addition, the Morehouse School of Medicine and affiliated clinics contribute to healthcare employment on the Westside.

Business and Services

Within and around the AUC, you’ll find:

  • Cafés, restaurants, and small shops catering to students and staff
  • Barbershops, salons, and convenience stores
  • Event spaces and churches that host large AUC-related gatherings

If you run a business in Atlanta, the AUC is a strong market for:

  • Food and beverage services
  • Housing, tutoring, and student-oriented services
  • Professional partnerships (internships, campus recruiting, guest speaking)

Visiting the Atlanta University Center: What to Expect

Campus Tours and Information

If you’re interested in attending an AUC school or simply exploring:

  • Each institution typically offers campus tours and admissions information sessions.
  • Prospective students often schedule visits to Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and sometimes Morehouse School of Medicine on the same trip since they’re so close together.

Check each school’s official visitor or admissions office for tour times and parking instructions before heading out.

Events and Community Activities

Common public-facing activities in the AUC area include:

  • Homecoming events and football games
  • Commencement ceremonies (often with notable speakers)
  • Public lectures, performances, and cultural festivals
  • Career fairs and community resource events (sometimes open to non-students)

Many events are advertised through campus calendars and local community boards.

Safety, Services, and Practical Tips

Like any busy urban college district, the AUC is generally active, with:

  • Security and campus police for each institution
  • Lighting and patrols around main campus areas
  • Students, staff, and neighbors moving around most of the day and early evening

Practical tips if you’re visiting or spending time in the area:

  • Parking: Observe posted signs; some lots are permit-only or pay-to-park.
  • Timing: At night, stick to well-lit routes and main streets, especially if you’re new to the area.
  • Navigation: Use campus maps or signage to move between institutions—some walkways are easier and more direct than others.
  • Services: If you’re on campus, information desks and campus security offices can help you find buildings, events, or accessible routes.

Why the Atlanta University Center Matters to Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, the AUC is:

  • A pipeline of local talent in business, education, health, and the arts
  • A cultural and intellectual engine driving conversations about equity, innovation, and community development
  • A historical landmark that connects modern Atlanta to its civil rights and educational roots

For visitors, the AUC offers:

  • Insight into Atlanta’s identity as a "Black Mecca"
  • A chance to walk historic campuses that helped shape national history
  • Easy access to other Westside destinations, from West End’s businesses to nearby stadium and downtown attractions

If you’re learning about Atlanta, looking for schools, considering a move, or just planning a day exploring the city, understanding the Atlanta University Center gives you a clearer view of how education, history, and community intersect on the city’s Westside.