Shortly after the end of the Civil War, an entrepreneur name Joel Hurt conceived of a then new concept in which he believed people should be able to live in a country-like atmosphere; but still be convenient to the city center business district. He developed Inman park as one of the nation’s first garden suburbs and purposely developed the area with large lots, curving streets, and many open park areas. In essence, Mr. Hurt brought the concept of suburban life into Atlanta. He sold off the lots beginning in 1889 and massive homes were built on the large lots primarily in Victorian style architecture. To complete the paradise, Mr. Hurt also conceived of and created one of the first streetcar trolley systems in the nation and had a form of rapid transit that would whisk people quickly from their large, suburban homes to work in the downtown business district.

Initially, the area was populated by some of the wealthiest citizens of Atlanta who were able to afford the large size homes. However, a lot changed by 1910. By this time, many other similar neighborhoods were formed in Atlanta with more craftsman style architecture which was more in style at the time and offered much newer homes. The Victorian style homes were somewhat out of fashion and the popularity of Inman Park began to decline and the area became somewhat abandoned in favor of the next big thing. Many who moved out subdivided their larger homes into small apartments and lower income families began to move into the area. The decline continued until the 1970’s when another entrepreneur saw the beauty and potential in reviving the Inman Park Neighborhood and a revitalization began to take place.

Today, Inman Park is in many ways better than it ever was and offers some of the most beautiful and largest homes in a suburban like setting that is very conveniently located close to the city center.