Local historic designations role in the revitalization of low-income, historic urban neighborhoods generally focuses on architectural rehabilitation and economic stimulation. The notion of preserving intangible elements in these areas is often overlooked, namely because of the negative impacts of urban renewal programs that drastically altered the racial and ethnic make-up of many of these neighborhoods from the 1940s to the 1970s. This thesis examines development and growth during this era in Atlanta, Georgia, and its impact on the in-town neighborhoods bordering the citys Central Business District (CBD). Using national studies for comparative analysis, it will examine how local historic designation has impacted low-income neighborhoods across the country so to explore the viability and appropriateness of local designation in Peoplestown, one neighborhood near Atlantas CDB. The goal of this thesis is to determine whether local designation would be a contributor to higher property taxes, gentrification, or displacement in Peoplestown, which has experienced a self-generated revitalization effort that began in the 1980s.