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| Cleaned up Northcrest logo from P&H Catalog |
The Northcrest Historic District is made up of four distinct building developments and includes:
- Northcrest (January 1959 - January 1966)
- Concord Manor (January 1962 - June 1966)
- Hidden Acres (July 1965 - November 1966)
- Northcrest East (October 1966 - April 1967)
- Checkmate Apartments (1971)
The development was carried out by several different building developers and each subdivided the lots into separate units. Note that most of this information was copied from the HISTORIC DISTRICT INFORMATION FORM (HDIF) developed by the 2016 Georgia State Masters of Heritage Preservation Program involved in the Northcrest Historic District designation documentation.
Original Developers THE, Inc.
THE, Inc--Walter Talley, Howard Hardrath, Paul Edwards
The original builders of Northcrest neighborhood were Paul Edwards, Howard Hardrath, and Walter Talley. They laid the roads for Northcrest under the name “THE, Inc” which stood for their last names. After plotting Northcrest Units 1-4, Talley either became a silent partner or left completely during the development. At this time, Edwards and Hardrath continued development under the name P&H Realty Company, among other possible subsidiaries.
Subsequent Developers
* denotes this entity may have been a subsidiary under P&H Home Builders
- P&H Builders (upon Walter Tally’s leaving THE, Inc)--Northcrest Subdivision
- *P&H Homes--Northcrest Unit 7
- *Peach State Development Company--Northcrest Units 6, 8, 10, 12, 13; Northcrest East Unit 1
- *Northcrest Acres, Inc--Northcrest Unit 8
- *Northview Corp--Northcrest Unit 9
- *Northlake, Inc--Northcrest Unit 11
- Samuel T. Brannan, Brannan Developers, Inc--Concord Manor Units 1-3
- J.A. Honea--Hidden Acres Units 1-3
The Mid-Century Modern homes of Northcrest were an architectural anomaly to the area and were affordable to residents moving from places near and far. An April 1965 ad in the Atlanta Constitution describes the Northcrest area as one of “Atlanta’s Best Buys” that boasted “New Designs--contemporary and colonial.” The homes’ size and convenient amenities attracted many young couples who had children or were looking to start families. Residents took advantage of employment in nearby Atlanta, or in one of Dekalb County’s many industries such as the GM Plant. While many residents were seeking to move from the increasingly congested City of Atlanta, some moved from other states to experience the district’s growing community and modern, unique architecture.
As current Summitridge Drive resident David Lattimer recalls, his family was attracted to Northcrest’s “California style houses” which they had become intrigued by when previously living out west. Throughout the 1960s, Northcrest’s homes and streets were brimming with young couples and children. The neighborhood’s population influx spurred the establishment of important community recreational centers and institutions--the Swim and Tennis Club (1962), Pleasantdale Park--originally called Warren Field (1965), and Pleasantdale Elementary School (1968).
At Northcrest’s inception, the community was a majority white and middle class. As Bowling Green Way resident Ellie Benson recalls, the neighborhood was composed of mostly young families with children. It was not unusual for some families to employ maids “bussed in from somewhere in downtown Atlanta” who performed household duties from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For new families, Northcrest offered spacious, affordable housing with easy access to the city and other parts of metro Atlanta via newly completed highways.
Over time, the household makeup and community character evolved. Upon moving to Northcrest in 1984, resident Merrill Knight recalled many couples in their 30s and 40s who had children. By the mid-1990s, most of Northcrest’s children had grown up and left the area, leaving many households with empty nesters. He also recalls the mid-1990s, when the neighborhood became slightly more dangerous with break-ins becoming more common. Interestingly, many long time residents moved to Northcrest from other states as well, attracted to the space, innovative living conditions, and unique architectural type. Unlike many suburban developments, Northcrest did not simply grow due to white flight, or racial and economic tensions. Rather, it attracted families from various parts of the state and country who valued the amenities, community, and neighborhood aesthetic.
Today, Northcrest’s unique architecture and strong community ties continue to attract new neighbors. Many long-time residents note the increase in children as younger couples in search of quaint historic neighborhoods near Atlanta move in, reviving the settlement pattern that began with Northcrest’s inception. Northcrest’s inclusive community has spurred increased diversity as well. Merrill Knight notes that his next-door neighbors are Cuban and Salvadorian, reflecting a demographic change seen in neighborhoods nationwide. Several residents have observed the influx of LGBT couples in recent years, with resident Adrienne Holcomb of Northlake Trail calling Northcrest “non-judgemental and community-oriented.” Northcrest’s architectural heritage continues to attract residents. Virginia Coxen of Lynnray Drive admits she was attracted to the Mid-Century Modern architecture, prompting her to move in October 1996.
A major catalyst in maintaining Northcrest’s close-knit community and aesthetics is the Hoe ‘N Hope Garden Club, founded in 1963. Originally, two garden clubs existed to accommodate residents in the morning and evening. The club typically meets monthly to discuss upcoming community events and landscaping activities to keep up Northcrest’s appearance and foster neighborhood cohesiveness. The club has helped increase neighborhood interaction through its Christmas parties, Christmas tree lighting contests, and home tours. For over fifty years, the Garden Club has promoted community unity as well as the neighborhood’s architectural heritage to keep Northcrest’s traditional character as it evolved into the 21st century.
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