Ponce de Leon Court Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ponce de Leon Court Historic District
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Ponce de Leon Court Historic District
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| NRHP reference No. | 11000774 |
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| Added to NRHP | November 2, 2011 |
The Ponce de Leon Court Historic District is a special neighborhood in Decatur, Georgia. It's a single street shaped like a cul-de-sac (which means it's a dead-end street with a round turn-around at the end). This unique street is just east of downtown Decatur and is known for its beautiful old homes and a strong sense of community.
It's located right off East Ponce de Leon Avenue, a historic road that connects Atlanta, Georgia to Decatur. Nearby, you'll find the old Decatur Cemetery to the north. To the east are the fancy Glynnwood Estates, which were built in 1927, and Glenwood school.
Discovering Ponce de Leon Court
Ponce de Leon Court is considered a local historic district in the city of Decatur. This means it's a special area protected for its historical importance. It was first listed in the Georgia Register of Historic Places in June 2010. Later, on November 2, 2011, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States that are important to history.
How the Neighborhood Began
The district includes about 26 properties, all on one street. Its design came from a plan created by John L. Womack in the 1920s. Mr. Womack reportedly wanted the homes on this street to remind him of tropical places. So, he planted both palm trees and banana trees.
The palm trees grew well and are still there today. However, the banana trees didn't survive at first. But in recent years, residents successfully planted new banana trees on the north end of the street. This was possible because of a change in the local weather conditions, called a microclimate. The Womack family still owned property on the court when it became a historic district.
What Makes the Homes Special?
The homes on Ponce de Leon Court are built close together on a narrow street. They are also within walking distance of downtown Decatur. This was common when these homes were built, as people didn't plan much for cars back then.
The way the street and homes are designed creates a strong feeling of community. This is why the street is seen as a unique and valuable part of Decatur. Most of the homes are American Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s. These are a popular style of house known for their simple, handcrafted look. There are also a few historic multi-family homes. Both the single-family and multi-family houses, along with the old palm trees, have stayed mostly the same since they were built.
The street is made up entirely of homes. You won't find any churches, businesses, or large apartment buildings there.
