HDDC Community

We think a lot about what it really means to fund creativity.

Not just programs, but the space and conditions where something real can happen.

That’s why we invested in the Mtamanika Youngblood Curator-In-Residence program. And, on April 16, 𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 became that space.

More than 120 guests gathered for opening night of 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗲. Curated by , the exhibition featured work from:







Sounds by set the tone, and the night built from there.

𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗲 invited people to see womanhood from multiple angles, and to see themselves somewhere in it.

But it was more than an opening.

What we’re paying attention to is this:

Did the artists lead the narrative?
Did the audience see themselves in the work?
Did the gallery become a site of connection and cultural exchange?

On April 16 , yes.

At HDDC, we believe art is one of the ways neighborhoods stay connected.

Thank you to , the artists, collaborators, and partners who helped make this opening possible.

To be a part of what’s next, sign up for our newsletter at the link in bio.

Photos and video credit: Demarko Hooper

“Often you have developers come into a neighborhood, listening to community needs and trying to respond. But what a difference to have a community-based group founded by Coretta Scott King say, ‘We have a vision, and we want to build it.’” — Dale Royal, LISC Atlanta

Earlier this week, national investors and philanthropic leaders gathered in Sweet Auburn for 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, an Impact in Action session during the Mission Investors Exchange 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

Hosted at 𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆 & 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲, the conversation explored what becomes possible when philanthropy, mission-driven capital, and community-based leadership each play the roles they are uniquely equipped to play.

Attendees heard perspectives on how aligned investment strategies can expand opportunity through affordable housing, healthcare access, and economic prosperity.

We were especially proud to have , Vice President of Programs at Historic District Development Corporation, serve as moderator and guide a thoughtful discussion rooted in vision, partnership, and equitable development.

The panel featured:

✨Edward Bowen, Owner, E.W. Bowen & Co.

✨ Frank Fernandez, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta

✨ Dale Royal, Executive Director - Atlanta, LISC

The session concluded with a tour of 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻, HDDC’s mixed-use development, 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲 that reflects how thoughtful investment can create spaces that serve both community needs and meaningful connection.

Thank you to all who joined us in Sweet Auburn and helped spotlight what is possible when partnership is done right.

Today, on what would have been our founder, Coretta Scott King’s, 99th birthday, we honor her life and legacy. Her commitment to community continues to shape the work we do every day.

The Historic District Development Corporation was established in 1980 by Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris and John Cox to restore Martin Luther King Jr.’s National Historic District to the proud, economically diverse and viable neighborhood it once was. The challenge was to revitalize while maintaining the community’s character and preventing the displacement of long-term residents.

At HDDC we carry her vision forward by preserving the identity and history of our communities through equitable and inclusive development.

Coretta Scott King helped lay the foundation for equitable communities in Atlanta and we are proud to continue that work.

Planning a spring or summer event? Be sure to check out the Front Porch Rooftop!

Thoughtfully designed for corporate activations, the 8,480 sq. ft. space features an on-site event supervisor, TV with HDMI access, flexible seating, essential event furnishings, built-in bar, prep kitchen, and a private greenroom.

Tailor every detail to your vision with add-on furnishings and flexible catering options, including outside vendors and bartenders.

Packages start at $850, with space to host up to 270 guests with ease.

Now booking spring and summer events.

Lock in your date at the link in bio.

Learn more at FrontPorchRooftop.com

A rooftop designed for unforgettable moments, where skyline views meet the energy of Historic Sweet Auburn.

☑️ Packages start at $850

☑️ Capacity up to 270 guests

☑️ Curated lounge seating

☑️ Flexible event layouts

☑️ Built-in bar + prep kitchen

☑️ Private greenroom & bridal suite

☑️ Flexible catering options, including outside vendors

Now booking spring and summer events.

🔗 Lock in your date at link in bio.

Make plans to be in the room for opening night of ✨ “Femme Gaze” ✨

Exploring the depth of our world through the stories and works of femme creators and their unique perspectives.

📍 Haugabrooks Gallery

📅 April 16, 2026

⏰ 6PM - 9PM

🔗 RSVP at link in bio

Curated by 2026/2027 Mtamanika Youngblood Curator-in-Residence this exhibition aims to delve into profound themes surrounding femme influence and the non-performative acts of kindness and obligation that foster genuine connections.

Featuring works by , and ✨ “Femme Gaze” ✨ explores the spaces women occupy, highlights the mundane tasks and interactions that shape our self, and celebrates images of women who nourish our spirit.

Inspired by the remarkable story of Geneva Haugabrooks, who transformed $300 into a multimillion-dollar business in the historic Auburn district, the exhibition aims to embody the same spirit of making the most of resources as we work to revitalize the community.

Come out to connect, converse, and experience the arts. Complimentary drinks will be available, while supplies last, with sounds by

Just TWO days away! ✨🍷
Sip & Savor Rooftop Soirée returns this Wednesday, Nov. 19th from 6–9 PM. Instead of sitting in traffic… come unwind with us on the rooftop. 🌆✨ Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, bites by Chef Tregaye Fraser, live music, and skyline views

🎟️ Tickets on sale now — get yours before they’re gone! Link in bio!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️—a time to honor the fighters, survivors, and loved ones we hold close. At HDDC, caring for our community means supporting each other in every way. 💞

We know strong neighborhoods are built on wellness and resilience, not just buildings. As we do the work to protect and preserve affordable housing in historic Old Fourth Ward and Sweet Auburn 🏡, we’re here to uplift those touched by breast cancer.

Let’s keep sharing hope, resources, and reminders for screenings. 🌸 Together, we’re more than neighbors—we’re family.

Sip, savor, and celebrate with us! 🥂🎶✨

The Rooftop Soirée at is serving up delicious bites 🍽️, handcrafted cocktails 🍸, and unbeatable community vibes 🤝—all under the stars and Atlanta skyline 🌆.

Only 2 days to go!

Join us on 10/15 from 6pm – 9pm 🗓️⏰.

This is a ticketed event—grab your spot now via the link in our bio! 🎟️