Northwoods Historic District

Northwoods Historic District spans a large area with hundreds of protected historic buildings, encompassing five residential neighborhoods in Doraville and DeKalb County. The area is marked by schools, churches, and office spaces woven throughout the residential blocks.

The neighborhood developed in the 1950s as a planned community for workers in nearby industries, featuring modern housing designed for the middle class. Its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 recognized the importance of this post-war planning approach.

The name Northwoods refers to the wooded setting that continues to shape the neighborhood's character today. Residents regularly gather in parks and green spaces, reflecting the community's connection to the natural surroundings.

The area is easy to explore on foot, with residential blocks, schools, and facilities arranged in a logical layout. Visitors should use the multiple entry points available to access different sections of this expansive district.

School buildings designed by renowned architect John C. Portman Jr. display forward-thinking design principles from that era. His influence on local architecture makes this area an example of innovative post-war thinking.

Location: DeKalb County

GPS coordinates: 33.89167,-84.27639

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:41