You’ve probably been to Pullman Yards before, but do you know the story?
It might seem like Pullman Yards has been open forever, but really, the City of Atlanta only recently gained access to the $100 million mixed-use historic Pullman Yards in Kirkwood. Presently owned by Atomic Entertainment, the space has been redeveloped to be the “entertainment destination of the south.” From hosting incredible experiences like Jurassic World and the Stranger Things Experience, to a fun night at Alco-Hall, or their weekly Saturday Farmer’s Market, there are tons of fun things to do at Pullman Yards!
The site has lived through over a century of Atlantan history. So we’re going to break down some of the things you might not know about the significant site in Kirkwood, Atlanta.
1. The Origin Story
In 1904, Pratt Engineering, a parts manufacturer for sugar and fertilizer processing plants, opened a plant on this site, which created the first infrastructure for business. It stayed open until 1926, when the site was bought by the Pullman company, which is how the site got its name.
2. Icon in ‘train’-ing!
The Pullman Company, a passenger railcars manufacturer, developed a train yard in order to manufacturer and repair deluxe passenger railcars. The site would continue this service until the 1980s, although there was a take-over by the Second American Iron and Metal Company in 1955.
3. Movie magic
In 2017, Atomic Entertainment, a Film Production Company, was awarded The Pratt Pullman Yard development in Atlanta, Georgia. They got right to work making movie magic at Pullman Yards. Several films used the Kirkwood site including The Hunger Games, Baby Driver, Divergent and HBO’s Brooklyn are just a few big names that’ve used the studio set-up at Pullman Yards. We’ve had some truly A-list talent on set, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Woody Harrelson, and Ryan Reynolds.
4. Black History
In the 1920s, the segregated South saw Pullman’s Atlanta shop manager beginning to recruit Black workers from local porters and car cleaners. The company became one of the largest employers of Black Americans in the United States, although there was a complex relationship between the company, those who ran it, and the African-American workers. Pullman travel was intimately linked with the Civil Rights movement throughout the 20th century, with several landmark Supreme Court cases that highlighted a need for change concerning racial segregation, and attitudes towards race & equality. For more information, check out the Pullman Museum.
5. Used for War
In World War I the land was used for munitions manufacturing. Ammunition in all forms was created on site.
6. Atlantan Heritage
In 2017 the Atlanta Urban Design Commission nominated the historic site as a landmark site due to its historic significance.
7. Farming roots
Before the site was bought in 1904, Pullman Yards was used as farming land.
8. Modern Glow Up
As well as providing studio space to Hollywood, Atomic Entertainment has promised Atlanta a transformation beyond recognition. It’ll have state-of-the-art commercial and residential hotels, offices and apartment properties, expansive food courts, restaurants/bars, entertainment soundstages, and a cultural community with hiking trails and bike paths along the expansive property to showcase the beauty and historical significance of the space.
9. Clean Up
Pullman Yards isn’t finished with its iconic reinvigoration. With a very long history, and plenty more to be made, we’re excited to see what’s in store for Pullman Yards!