Mechanicsville, Atlanta

Mechanicsville is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Atlanta. The neighborhood sprang up in the late 19th century, adjacent to several railroad lines just south of downtown. The name "Mechanicsville" comes from the "mechanics" that worked on the railway lines. It was once a vibrant multiethnic community with working class blacks and middle class whites, and home to several prominent merchant families, including the Rich family, of department store fame. Mechanicsville was established in 1870. The mural in the background displays this information from an artists work.

Its decline was caused by urban renewal, migration to the suburbs, and the construction of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium and the nearby interstate highways. The city of Atlanta has targeted the area for revitalization.

Atlanta Public Schools serves Mechanicsville. Neighborhood Charter School serves Mechanicsville.

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System operates the Mechanicsville Branch.[2]

The neighborhood organization is the Mechanicsville Civic Association and the Citizens Association of Mechanicsville. This CDC, SUMMECH, develops and implements strategies for revitalization of the neighborhood.

In the film ATL, the main characters, Rashad (played by rapper T.I.) and Ant (played by actor Evan Ross), both lived in Mechanicsville.

Big Gee of Boyz n da Hood was born in Mechanicsville and currently lives there.

• SUMMECH CDC
• Mechanicsville Report, Community Development Plan Update 2004