If you walk down Upper Alabama Street today, you might think you're just looking at another urban shopping mall that’s seen better days. But you aren't. Not really. Most people who visit Underground Atlanta don't realize they are literally walking on top of history—specifically, the original street level of the city from the post-Civil War era.
It's a weird place. Honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing spots in Georgia's capital. Some locals avoid it like the plague, citing decades of failed "revitalization" projects, while others see it as the beating heart of the city’s creative future. To understand why it’s still here, you have to look at the ground. Or rather, under it.
The strange birth of Underground Atlanta
Back in the late 1800s, Atlanta was a mess of train tracks. Because the city was the "Terminus" of the South, locomotives were everywhere, creating massive traffic jams for horses and pedestrians. To fix this, the city built a series of concrete viaducts in the 1920s. They basically elevated the street level by one story, leaving the original storefronts, windows, and brickwork in the shadows.
For nearly forty years, these lower levels were forgotten. They became a graveyard for old wagons and dusty inventory. It wasn't until the late 1960s that entrepreneurs realized they had a subterranean goldmine on their hands.
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When it officially opened as an entertainment district in 1969, it was the place to be. We’re talking about "Dante’s Down the Hatch" with its live crocodiles and jazz. It was an era of velvet ropes and actual nightlife. But then, things got complicated. The construction of the MARTA rail system ripped through the area in the late 70s, and the original charm started to fade under the weight of crime concerns and changing social dynamics.
Why the 1989 reboot didn't stick
By the time the city tried to "save" Underground Atlanta in 1989, the vibe had shifted. It became a shopping mall.
The problem? Locals didn't want a mall. They had Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza for that. Underground became a tourist trap—the kind of place where you buy a personalized airbrushed t-shirt or a magnet and then leave. It lost its soul. For years, the city struggled to keep the lights on, eventually selling the property to WRS Inc. in 2017.
That sale was controversial. People felt like a piece of Atlanta's identity was being sold off to developers who didn't "get" the city.
The new era: Lalani Ventures and the pivot to culture
Things changed again recently. Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures, bought the site in 2020. Since then, the strategy has moved away from "mall vibes" and toward "cultural hub."
Instead of Foot Locker, we’re seeing art galleries. Instead of generic food courts, we’re seeing "The Masquerade," one of the most legendary music venues in the South, which moved its three stages (Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory) to the Kenny’s Alley section of Underground. This was a massive win for the district’s street cred.
You also have the "Peach Drop." For decades, Atlanta’s version of the New Year's Eve ball drop lived at Underground. It’s moved around lately—sometimes at Woodruff Park, sometimes cancelled—but its spiritual home remains the Underground.
Is it actually safe to visit?
This is the question everyone asks. Look, it’s an urban center in a major US city. It has its rough edges. But the current management has poured a lot of money into private security and lighting.
If you go during the day, it's mostly students from Georgia State University (GSU) grabbing lunch or tourists looking for the "World of Coca-Cola" history (the original site was right nearby). At night, it transforms into a nightlife zone centered around the Masquerade and various pop-up art exhibits.
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It feels different now. Less sterile. More Atlanta.
What you’ll actually find there right now
It’s a mix of the permanent and the ephemeral.
- The Masquerade: The undisputed anchor. If there’s a punk, metal, or indie show in Atlanta, it’s probably here.
- Pigalle Theater & Speakeasy: A nod to the 1920s roots, offering a more "adult" cocktail experience.
- Art Spaces: Banksy exhibits and local murals have taken over the empty storefronts.
- Fountain of Rings: Technically just a short walk away at Centennial Olympic Park, but the Underground serves as the gateway for many walking tours.
One of the coolest things is the architecture itself. If you look up while you're in the "lower" levels, you can still see the original ironwork and the bottoms of the 1920s viaducts. It’s a literal time capsule made of Georgia red clay and soot-stained brick.
The GSU factor
Georgia State University has basically swallowed downtown Atlanta. This is actually the best thing that could have happened to Underground Atlanta. Thousands of students are constantly walking through the area.
This foot traffic has forced a change in the retail mix. We’re seeing more "third spaces"—places where people can actually hang out without necessarily having to buy a $50 souvenir. It's becoming a functional part of the city again, rather than just a weird basement for tourists.
Realities of the redevelopment
Let’s be real: it’s not perfect. There are still empty storefronts. There’s still a lot of concrete that needs scrubbing. The "Upper" level still feels a bit disconnected from the "Lower" level.
But the move toward housing might be the final piece of the puzzle. There are plans to incorporate residential units into the district. When people actually live in the Underground, the whole "tourist trap" stigma will finally die. You can’t be a trap if you’re someone’s front yard.
How to visit like a local
If you're going to check it out, don't just walk the main strip.
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First, park at a MARTA station and take the train to the Five Points station. The exit leads you right into the heart of the district. It saves you $20 in parking and the headache of downtown traffic.
Second, check the schedule at the Masquerade first. The energy of the area is 100% better when there’s a crowd of music fans around.
Third, look for the "zero mile post." It’s a bit of a hunt, but the Western & Atlantic Railroad mile post represents the literal center of the city. Everything in Atlanta grew out from this one spot.
Actionable insights for your visit
- Timing: Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening if you want to see the nightlife, or a weekday afternoon for a quieter look at the architecture.
- Navigation: Use the Five Points MARTA station as your GPS anchor; the Underground is adjacent to the station.
- Safety: Stick to the well-lit main corridors of Kenny’s Alley and Alabama Street, especially after dark.
- Budget: Budget at least $30 for food and a drink at one of the newer spots like Common Ground or for a ticket to a pop-up exhibit.
- Photography: Bring a camera with good low-light capabilities. The contrast between the modern neon and the 19th-century brickwork makes for incredible shots that you won't get anywhere else in the city.
The story of Underground Atlanta isn't over. It’s a cycle of decay and rebirth that mirrors the city's "Resurgens" motto. It’s messy, historical, and occasionally confusing—just like Atlanta itself.