Exploring the Atlanta University Center Historic District: A Local’s Guide to a Landmark of Black Higher Education

The Atlanta University Center Historic District (often shortened to AUC) is one of Atlanta’s most important cultural, educational, and civil rights landmarks. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or just want to understand this area better, spending time in the AUC gives you a deeper sense of how Atlanta became a center of Black history, scholarship, and activism.

What Is the Atlanta University Center Historic District?

The Atlanta University Center Historic District is a historic cluster of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) just west of downtown Atlanta. It includes:

• Spelman College
• Morehouse College
• Clark Atlanta University
• Morris Brown College (nearby and historically part of the AUC environment)
• Various historic buildings, churches, and sites connected to the Civil Rights Movement

This district is not just a college neighborhood. It’s a living archive of African American education, leadership, and culture. Many nationally known figures studied, taught, or organized within these blocks, and you can still see the buildings and spaces where major moments unfolded.

Where the AUC Historic District Is Located

The AUC sits in Westside Atlanta, primarily in the West End / Vine City area, close to downtown.

General area:

• Roughly bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Joseph E. Lowery Blvd SW, Lee Street SW (now Joseph E. Lowery Blvd in some stretches), and Northside Drive NW
• About 5–10 minutes by car from Downtown Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Useful nearby points:

• MARTA: Ashby Station (Blue/Green Line) and West End Station (Red/Gold Line) both offer access, with short walks or bus connections to the campuses.
• Driving access: Close to I-20 and Northside Drive, making it straightforward to reach from most parts of the metro area.

Key Campuses and Historic Sites to Know

Spelman College

Location: 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Spelman is a private liberal arts college for women and one of the most celebrated HBCUs in the country. On campus and around it, you’ll find:

• Historic academic buildings that date back over a century
• A focus on art, culture, and social justice woven into campus life
• A beautifully maintained campus that’s often a highlight for tours

Public access inside buildings may be limited for safety and security, but the campus grounds, when open, offer a quiet, tree-lined environment and glimpses of historic architecture.

Morehouse College

Location: 830 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Morehouse is a men’s college and another anchor of the AUC. Known for educating many prominent Black leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the campus includes:

• King Chapel and other landmarks related to religious and civic life
• Memorials and displays honoring Morehouse alumni and civil rights work
• Classic red-brick collegiate architecture that defines much of the district’s character

Visitors often come here to better understand the roots of leadership and activism that shaped Atlanta and the country.

Clark Atlanta University

Location: 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Clark Atlanta University (CAU) formed from the consolidation of Atlanta University and Clark College, both with deep historical roots. It’s central to the historic district designation because of its older buildings and its role in Black higher education.

Highlights for visitors may include:

• Historic academic halls that reflect the evolution of Black education in the South
• Public events, lectures, and arts programming throughout the year
• A campus layout that links visually and historically with neighboring Spelman and Morehouse

Morris Brown College and Surrounding Neighborhood

Location: 643 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Morris Brown College, founded by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, is located just north of the main AUC cluster and has played a major role in Atlanta’s Black educational history.

Nearby streets and intersections, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, and Vine City/Westside neighborhoods, contain:

• Historically Black churches and community centers
• Residences and gathering places that supported the Civil Rights Movement
• A mix of long-time neighbors and new development that illustrate the city’s changing character

Why the AUC Historic District Matters in Atlanta

A Center of Black Intellectual Life

The AUC is home to one of the largest concentrations of Black college students and faculty in the world. For Atlanta, that means:

• A steady flow of research, scholarship, and creative work centered on Black experiences
• Regular lectures, panels, and conferences that attract local residents and visitors
• A deep influence on Westside Atlanta’s social, cultural, and political life

A Civil Rights and Social Justice Landmark

Many of the key figures in the Civil Rights Movement studied or taught in the AUC. The district served as:

• A base for organizing protests, voter registration drives, and nonviolent action
• A safe space for strategy meetings and intergenerational mentoring
• A site where student activism shaped national conversations on justice and equality

If you’re exploring Atlanta’s Civil Rights history, places like the AUC, Auburn Avenue, and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park form a connected story.

What You Can See and Do in the AUC Historic District

While this is a working college environment, there are many ways for visitors and Atlanta residents to experience the AUC.

1. Walk or Drive Through the Historic Core

A simple self-guided walk or drive gives you a strong sense of the area’s layout and architecture. You will see:

• Red-brick academic buildings with historic markers or plaques
• Landscaped quads and walkways connecting Spelman, Morehouse, and CAU
• Murals, statues, and monuments honoring Black leaders and alumni

📝 Tip: Visit during weekday daylight hours when campuses are active, but avoid exam periods or major events if you want a calmer experience.

2. Join Campus or Group Tours (When Offered)

Individual AUC schools periodically offer:

• Campus tours for prospective students and families
• Group or historical tours for schools, community organizations, or special events

These can be a good way to see more of the historic interiors and learn stories tied to specific buildings.

How to approach it:

• Check each school’s admissions or visitor information by phone or through their main office before you go.
• Ask if there are public tours, visitor check-in requirements, or ID policies.

3. Attend Public Events, Lectures, or Performances

Throughout the year, the AUC hosts:

• Public lectures, symposiums, and panels on history, politics, science, and the arts
• Theatre, music, and dance performances, often open to the broader Atlanta community
• Cultural events around Black history, women’s leadership, STEM, entrepreneurship, and the arts

These events are one of the best ways to experience the district as a living, evolving community rather than just a historic site.

4. Explore Nearby Civil Rights and Cultural Landmarks

While you’re in the area, it’s easy to connect an AUC visit with other Atlanta attractions, such as:

• The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (on Auburn Avenue)
• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (in downtown Atlanta)
• Historic churches in the West End and Vine City areas

Together, these sites make a rich, full-day (or multi-day) exploration of Black history in Atlanta.

Visitor Logistics: Getting Around the AUC

Transportation Options

• By MARTA Rail:

  • Ashby Station (Blue/Green Line): Walk or take a short bus ride to reach the heart of the AUC.
  • West End Station (Red/Gold Line): Also connects via bus to the Westside campuses.

• By Car:

  • Easy access from I-20 (Joseph E. Lowery Blvd or Lee Street/West End exits).
  • Allow extra time during rush hour or around major events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

• Walking/Biking:

  • Short distances between campuses make the area fairly walkable.
  • Be mindful of traffic on major roads like Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Northside Drive.

Parking and Campus Access

Each campus manages its own parking and security policies, which can change:

• Expect designated visitor lots or paid parking in some areas.
• Some streets around the district offer limited on-street parking, with posted restrictions.
• Security staff may require photo ID for entry into certain buildings.

📝 Tip: Before you go, call the main lines for Spelman, Morehouse, or Clark Atlanta to ask about current visitor parking options and campus access rules.

Quick Reference: Key AUC Institutions

Below is a simple overview to help you plan your visit or research:

Addresses are best used as orientation points; each campus spans multiple buildings and streets.

Respectful Visiting: How to Be a Good Guest

The AUC is more than a tourist destination—it’s a living academic community and neighborhood. To keep your visit positive and respectful:

• Follow security and visitor instructions at campus gates and buildings.
• Stay on public walkways and avoid entering residence halls or restricted areas.
• Limit photography where requested, especially in classroom spaces or during events.
• Support local businesses in the surrounding Westside and West End communities when possible.

Who the AUC Historic District Is Best For

You’ll get the most out of this area if you are:

• An Atlanta resident interested in the city’s Black history and educational landscape
• A visitor building an itinerary around civil rights, culture, and local history
• A prospective student or family considering an HBCU education in Atlanta
• An educator, group leader, or organizer planning historical or cultural tours

The Atlanta University Center Historic District gives you a direct window into how Black scholarship, activism, and community-building have shaped Atlanta—and how they continue to do so today.