Although the rich history of the West End has been overshadowed by years of neglect, current revitalization plans may make the area more appealing for both students and residents.

Many AUC students’ knowledge of the West End contains cautionary stories about remaining safe and the possibility of violence, which creates a climate of fear amongst students. Fabiola Breton, a freshman at Spelman College, said, “I feel like something is going to pop out of nowhere ( in the West End). I feel like people are going to rob me but, in reality, they’re just homeless.”

There were several students who echoed similar attitudes toward the West End area. However, these ideas underscore a general lack of knowledge about the area’s history. The West End is a registered historic district having housed McPherson Barracks, a military stronghold in the Civil War. In addition, it was one time an incorporated town in 1886, and home to the emerging Black middle class. Like many inner city areas, the West End fell victim to influx of drugs during the 1980s and 1990s, but recent development plans such as the Ashley CollegeTown in the West End aim to bring economic vitality to the area.

These multi-million dollar development plans mean more than an aseptic change. The closing of the University Homes, a housing project near the AUC and one of the first housing projects created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, is a direct result of revitalization efforts and foreshadowing of gentrification. For some, this change is bittersweet.

Wesley Leary, a junior at Clark Atlanta University, said, “Originally, HBCUs were put in low income areas to better the area. Leaving people in Section 8 (housing) to fend for themselves is something I don’t agree with.” He added, “The AUC has always been a helping hand to the project with events like Trick or Treat on the promenade and the year before Christmas in the AUC, where toys were donated to people in University Homes. Now we’ll have to look elsewhere."

The opportunity for diversity and economic growth sparked by gentrification is seen as a bonus by some. “There’s aesthetic value to gentrification," said Sharyn Dougherty, a freshman at Spelman College. "Better schools, better environment. It will enhance the AUC experience. People will feel more comfortable to venture out."

As the West End continues its journey to revitalization, the cyclical nature of history is reflected in population. During the 19th and earlier half of the 20th century, the neighborhood was composed of upper to upper middle class whites. With the addition of historically black colleges and universities, the West End became home to a vibrant group of middle class Blacks. The possibility of a demographic shift is not far-fetched.

Lauren Hill, a sophomore at Spelman College, feels increases in property values may force “students [not living on campus] to move twenty minutes away versus ten minutes.”

Others welcome the change because, as Jordan Hawbaker, a freshman at Morehouse College, said, “ The excellence of these institutions is not reflected in this neighborhood.”

Published: September 9, 2008 11:44 AM