Public input sought on future of King Family Home in Atlanta

ATLANTA - The National Park Service has announced that it is working on a site plan for the home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his family and they are inviting the public to participate in its development.

NPS says they hope to develop long-term strategies to preserve and protect the King Family Home at 234 Sunset Avenue in the historic Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta and provide opportunities for visitors to learn the story of Dr. King's life and legacy, including the family’s connections to the Vine City neighborhood and their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

RELATED: Birth home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Auburn Avenue closing for rehab

Tillman Ward grew up in Vine City and knows what he wants to happen to the home.

"To learn something about ordinary people who made an extraordinary difference in this city that resonated throughout the country and the world," said Ward.

Protecting historical landmarks like this is top of mind for many people. Just last month, a woman was arrested after pouring gas on the front of the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. on Auburn Avenue.

Fortunately, the home wasn't damaged, but it had some worried about the safety of these historical landmarks.

Shatika Armstrong, who was visiting several of the landmarks on MLK Day, said it's important to care for these homes.

"I think they should protect it. We want it around [for] a long time, from generation to generation. Keep it alive, keep it looking good and preserve it," said Armstrong.

Kimble Joyner's family has a house on Sunset Avenue, just across the street from the King Family Home.  He has fond memories of meeting the members of the King family as a child and getting to know them. He says the King Family home is an important part of America's history.

"I think these homes have stood the test of time. They're so beloved by this community that these homes are in our prayers," said Joyner.

Since acquiring the home in 2018, the NPS says it has worked to stabilize the aging home to protect the structure and important historical features.

A public comment period will be open between Jan. 15 and Feb. 29. Two public meetings are also scheduled to discuss the project. They will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 30 at Historic Fire Station 6, 39 Boulevard NE, and 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 31 at Neighborhood Union Health Center, 18 Sunset Ave. NW.

Purchased by Dr. King and Coretta Scott King in October 1964, the home is where Dr. King lived with his family and continued his work in social justice as part of the expanding Civil Rights Movement until his tragic assassination in 1968. It was here that Mrs. King continued his legacy and established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center known today as the King Center.

HOW TO COMMENT

You can submit comments online, at a public meeting, or by mail to the following address: Superintendent, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, RE: King Family Home Site Plan, 450 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta, GA 30312.

You can find more information on the project here.