Downtown Study Group results

[AnsleyPark]

A Brief History of Underground Atlanta | jimcofer.com

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

But that doesn't explain Underground's initial big success. Atlanta wanted and got its own "Bourbon Street". But it all went ***poof*** just as fast and has resisted revival since.

Oh, the Underground phenomenon is entirely consistent with the trend toward suburbanization.

[MathmanMathman]

The "Brief History..." cited above suggests it was a relaxing of liquor laws in the suburbs (no need to go downtown for mixed drinks) and a relaxing of Underground's dress code (jacket and tie for men, formal wear for women) which in turn invited in the "riff-raff". A few publicized muggings finished off Underground.

Underground can't return to its former formula. I think it would require a very fundamental change in the character of downtown. If Underground was in the middle of the hotel district, it would be a smash again. But beyond the hotels and Centennial Park, it becomes a No Man's land again. Underground can't sustain itself, it needs upscale environs surrounding it. It might need a pricey cover charge in place of a dress code because even upscale Buckhead couldn't keep the riff-raff out of its Buckhead Village. Buckhead Village's story was a bit different but it too died. It's also being remade in a sterilized form.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by MathmanMathman

The "Brief History..." cited above suggests it was a relaxing of liquor laws in the suburbs (no need to go downtown for mixed drinks) and a relaxing of Underground's dress code (jacket and tie for men, formal wear for women) which in turn invited in the "riff-raff". A few publicized muggings finished off Underground.

Underground was already failing but I think the coup de gras was MARTA construction. They tore right though the middle of Underground and it was a total mess for several years.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Underground was already failing but I think the coup de gras was MARTA construction. They tore right though the middle of Underground and it was a total mess for several years.

Yep. The entire north side of Lower Alabama Street was completely gutted by the East Line.

[tikigod311]

I would have loved to experience Underground in its heyday. "Older" folks tend to remember it fondly, like some sorta classy Bourbon St.

And the Playboy Club... I know it wasn't as wild as I would hope, but still sounds great.

I think I got unlucky and grew up in a time when Atlanta had nothing special going for it as far as a party town goes. Not complaining though, I think our best history has yet to been made.