Midtown is the second-largest business district in Atlanta and features the largest concentration of arts facilities and organizations in the South. Midtown Atlanta originated in the late 19th century as an affluent residential district called “North Atlanta.” Its development accelerated after the 1895 Cotton States Exposition was held in nearby Piedmont Park, showcasing the area’s potential. The neighborhood became known for its grand mansions along Peachtree Street, including the former home of Coca-Cola founder Asa Candler. In the early 20th century, Midtown emerged as Atlanta’s cultural heart with the establishment of institutions like the Fox Theatre (1929) and the High Museum of Art. The area declined in the mid-20th century as suburbanization took hold, with many historic homes being replaced by commercial development. Midtown’s resurgence began in the 1980s with new high-rise construction and preservation efforts that transformed it into Atlanta’s central business and arts district while retaining elements of its original residential character. Midtown Atlanta is often referred to as the gay epicenter of the South.