Westview, Atlanta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westview, Atlanta, Georgia
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1910/20s bungalows are the most common house style in Westview
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| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| County | Fulton |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 3,020 |
| ZIP code |
30310
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| Area code(s) | 404 |
Westview is an old and interesting neighborhood in southwest Atlanta, Georgia. It's called Westview because it's right next to the Westview Cemetery. This neighborhood has many different kinds of houses. You can see charming Arts & Crafts bungalows, big Four-Squares, Tudor-style homes, and even modern Ranch houses.
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Where is Westview Located?
Westview is in southwest Atlanta. Major roads like I-20 are to the north. Other streets like Langhorn Street and Cascade Avenue are to the east. Beecher Street is to the south, and South Gordon Street is to the west. A main road called Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard goes right through Westview. On this road, there's a small, old shopping area where East Ontario Avenue, Inman Street, and Lucile Avenue meet.
The History of Westview
Westview is a great example of a "streetcar neighborhood" in Atlanta. This means it grew because of the streetcars, which were like electric buses on tracks.
How Streetcars Helped Westview Grow
In 1884, land was bought to create the new Westview Cemetery. Because of the cemetery, a company decided to extend its streetcar line to the area in 1886. This streetcar line made it easy for people to travel from downtown Atlanta to Westview. Having easy transportation helped the neighborhood grow and develop.
Westwood Park and West End Park
In 1888, a company called the Ontario Land Company bought land to build a new neighborhood. They named it Westwood Park. They prepared the land and even promised fun things like croquet and tennis courts. However, Westwood Park was never fully built.
Later, in 1910, a man named William J. Davis bought parts of this land. He hired an expert to design a "residence park" called West End Park. This new park included streets like East and West Ontario Avenue. Davis made improvements like adding water pipes, gas lines, and sidewalks. Then, he sold smaller pieces of land, which led to many houses being built.
Westview Joins Atlanta
When West End Park was being planned, its creators asked the City of Atlanta to include it within the city limits. In 1910, Atlanta expanded its borders to include West End Park. Over the years, the city expanded its limits several more times towards the west. This helped the neighborhood grow and change, with new styles of houses being built.
West End Park was a busy place for many years. It had a lively shopping area along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. Older residents remember stores like a grocery store, a butcher shop, a drug store with a soda fountain, and a restaurant called the Teddy Bear Grill.
Today, West End Park is known as Westview. This name likely came from its close location to the Westview Cemetery. Even now, you might still see homes listed for sale under the name "West End Park."
Westview's Recent Comeback
Recently, more people have become interested in living in older neighborhoods closer to the city center. This has brought new life to Westview. Young people are moving in alongside older residents who have lived there for decades. Because of this, old and empty houses are being fixed up. The neighborhood is becoming more active and lively.
In 2005, a new building called Westview Lofts opened. It has shops on the ground floor and apartments above. Also in 2005, Westview was chosen as the "neighborhood of the month" by the Atlanta Development Authority. After a period of decline, Westview has become popular again, with property values increasing. The neighborhood has also become much more diverse since the 2000s.
The Atlanta BeltLine in Westview
The BeltLine is a big project that is turning old railway lines into walking and biking trails and parks around Atlanta. Part of the BeltLine, called the "Model Mile," runs along the eastern side of Westview.
The first trail built on the BeltLine was the 2.4-mile West End Trail, which opened in 2008. This trail goes through Westview, the West End neighborhood, and Mozley Park. It stretches from White Street to Westview Cemetery. In Westview, the trail will connect to Enota Park. This park is being made much larger and will have sports fields, a playground, and an entrance for people using the Westside Trail.
Schools in Westview
Westview has several schools for children of different ages.
Public Schools
The neighborhood is served by Atlanta Public Schools:
- Connally Elementary School
- Brown Middle School
- Washington High School
Charter Schools
There are also free charter schools in Westview:
- KIPP STRIVE Academy is located on Lucile Avenue. It opened in 2009 and serves students in grades 5 through 8. Students are expected to stay for the full four-year program.
- KIPP STRIVE Primary is another free charter school in Westview.
Neighborhood Groups
Westview has two active groups that help improve the neighborhood and bring people together.
Westview Community Organization (WCO)
The Westview Community Organization (WCO) started in 1974. It's the biggest and oldest group in Westview and covers the whole neighborhood. The WCO has committees that work on things like planning for the neighborhood's future and keeping parks clean. They also organize fun events like a summer block party and a Christmas party. The WCO meets on the first Monday of every month. You can find more information on their website or social media.
West End Coalition Group (WEC)
The West End Coalition (WEC) started in 1992. Neighbors formed this group to help prevent homes from falling apart and to keep the community strong. Even though it's called "West End Coalition," this group is located in Westview. It covers the northeastern part of the neighborhood, including streets like Laurel Avenue and Lucile Avenue. The WEC meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
