About — Butler Street CDC

Who we are

The Butler Street Community Development Corporation strives to restore the Sweet Auburn community as a beacon for hope and justice.

Economic Empowerment

Small business development, entrepreneur training, workforce development, and financial literacy training
Neighborhood Reinvestment

Rehabilitation of properties for local community use, affordable housing, and social services
Civic Engagement

Creation of political forums, participation in advocacy work, and bringing back the incomparable Hungry Club Forum
Community Enrichment

Provision of wrap-around support to community residents, Including food security, affordable housing, and other social services

Our History

The Sweet Auburn community is a historic gem nestled east of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. This historic community is the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was once one of the richest black communities in the world! Sweet Auburn was home to the first African-Amercan owned radio station, daily newspaper. and second-largest insurance company.

The Butler Street Central Development Corporation grew out of a community desire to protect, preserve and uplift the YMCA and the surrounding area. The future is bright for the neighborhoods that fall under the CDC’s umbrella. New projects like Sweet Auburn Grande, a mixed use multifaceted development are moving into advanced stages of execution. Additional developments like Reflections Park aim to bring a new cultural lifeblood into the area. A key tenant of the BSCDC’s mission is to play a central role in helping the community create another gilded age for this unique corner of Atlanta.

The CDC is situated between Auburn Avenue and the famed Sweet Auburn Curb Market is 22 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive. Formerly, it was the building for the Butler Street YMCA, the unofficial "Black City Hall" of Atlanta. Since 1920, the building has been a meeting place for youth and adults in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Almost every prominent figure in America's Civil Rights Movement walked through its hallowed doors. When the first African-American police force was commissioned in Atlanta, the new precinct was located in the basement of the Butler Street YMCA. In addition, it has hosted meetings for several prominent groups, including the Atlanta Black Voters League, All Citizens Registration League, and the beloved Hungry Club Forum.