Exuberant metal sunbursts and sprays guard doors in Collier Heights, but they also welcome visitors and bring light and air to the interiors.
On a thousand acres of uncommonly beautiful but topographically challenging Georgia countryside, a group of far-sighted and racially diverse entrepreneurs built, in the mid-1950s, one of our most prestigious African-American communities. More than 50 small subdivisions were developed over 30 years. The community’s 1,750 buildings include well-groomed residences, many in the hands of the original owners. Nearly every mid-century house style can be found here, especially postwar ranches and split-levels. Collier Heights retains its unique place in the history of suburbia and in the hearts of its residents.
“Preservation united the community. Someone honks and you wave. It’s just a connection we all have. We try our best to look after each other . . . and we really appreciate our elders.” -Juanita and Harold Morton
Along with the Collier Heights Community Association and Georgia State students, the Mortons were a driving force behind the decade-long effort to gain local and National Register recognition.
