Established in 1980, the Historic District Development Corporation or HDDC is an influential force in Atlanta's community development, committed to preserving affordable housing in the Old Fourth Ward district and is the first and only of its kind. Founded by Coretta Scott King, Christine King Farris, and John Cox. HDDC initially focused on restoring the historic district around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthplace while safeguarding its cultural heritage and preventing resident displacement. Led by Mtamanika Youngblood from 1992, HDDC pioneered innovative strategies like the "block-by-block" development approach, revitalizing structures while constructing new homes, sparking a neighborhood-wide transformation. Today, HDDC continues its mission by preserving historical homes, repurposing landmarks, and spearheading initiatives such as SAGE and Front Porch. These efforts emphasize their commitment to equitable and inclusive urban revitalization and preserving cultural legacies, with a particular focus on supporting African-American communities.