Sweet Auburn Grande Branding for a historical neighborhood
Commissioned by CDC Butler Street and Gorman & Company, this project focuses on developing the branding and way-finding system for a historic building currently undergoing renovation in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn district. The goal is to highlight the neighborhood’s rich cultural and historical significance, attract residents, businesses, and visitors, and support the revitalization of the community and local economy through thoughtful and inclusive design.
Sweet Auburn, located just east of downtown Atlanta, is a vibrant historic neighborhood known as the birthplace of the American civil rights movement and of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the 1940s and 50s, Sweet Auburn thrived as a center of Black economic and cultural life, once dubbed “the richest Negro street in the world.” The neighborhood stands as a powerful testament to both civil rights history and the resilience of the African American community.
Quilting has long been a meaningful part of African American culture—used to tell stories, preserve history, and build community. In the Sweet Auburn project, quilt patterns symbolize unity through diversity, reflecting the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage. This visual language honors the past while connecting it to the community’s ongoing renewal.
BRANDING/WAYFINDING
Year:
2025
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, Rhino, Keyshot
Role: Art Director, 3D Modeler
Client: CDC Butler Street, Gorman & Company
This project was completed as part of the SCAD Serve course and further developed in collaboration with Xiangyi Chen.