The historic site has undergone an incredible transformation, and we’re getting our first glimpse of the new “creative city.”
Our ever-evolving city of Atlanta recently gained access to the new $100 million mixed-use project of the historic Pullman Yards in Kirkwood. Presently owned by Atomic Entertainment, the public’s introduction to the transformative development includes the captivating Stranger Things immersive experience at the Pullman Yards Science Gallery.
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, opens a plant on site, creating the first infrastructure for business. It stayed open until 1926, when the site was bought by the Pullman company, which is how the site now got its name.
2. Icon in ‘train’-ing!
The Pullman Company was a manufacturer of passenger railcars. Pullman 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 were awarded The Pratt Pullman Yard development in Atlanta, Georgia. The film production company have taken advantage of their new location in the Peach State by filming several movies at the Kirkwood site. 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. A-list talent has been on set, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Woody Harrelson, and Ryan Reynolds.
Plus, the historical site currently hosts the unforgettable, immersive Stranger Things: The Experience! This supernatural, adventure-packed experience is not one to miss!
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 were 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 have 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
In order for Atomic Entertainment to redevelop the site, a huge clean up had to take place. Starting in 2017, numerous investigations assessed the 12 on-site buildings for hazardous materials. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) were identified in various building materials, and more! Are you ready to check out this historical landmark?