Material Culture and Consumer Choices at Tech Flats: Archaeological and Historical Investigations of the Techwood/Clark Howell Urban Revitalization Tract, Atlanta, Georgia

Archaeological survey and data recovery were conducted by Brockington and Associates, Inc. at the Techwood/Clark Howell Homes Urban Revitalization Tract, in Atlanta, Georgia. Fieldwork within the 50 acre development tract was conducted in three phases over a period of approximately two years (between June 1995 and May 1997). Funding for these investigations was provided under a federal Housing and Urban Development Block Grant to the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta (HACA) through contracts with The Integral Group, L.L.C. Archaeological investigations were conducted in compliance with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. Archaeological survey consisted of backhoe trench excavation, surface scraping, and detailed mapping of artifact deposits. Data recovery included formal test unit excavation, recovery of artifact samples from intact and disturbed deposits, and documentation of architectural remains. Artifact analysis included detailed examination of large samples of bottles and ceramics. Results of archaeological investigations were documented previously in a series of 15 interim reports. These letter reports were submitted to the SHPO for review, following survey and data recovery within each project block and prior to commencement of subsequent phases of demolition and construction. In addition to the interim reports, Brockington and Associates produced an archaeological potential and historic land use report, a summary report of investigations at Techwood Phases lA and IB, and an amended research design for archaeological survey at Techwood/Clark Howell Phases II and III. Archaeological investigations at Techwood/Clark Howell encountered evidence of extensive land modification and considerable deposits of late nineteenth and early twentieth century cultural material. Construction excavation, grading, filling, and erosion during two periods in the early twentieth century (after 1900 and during the early 1930s) deeply disturbed and redeposited archaeological deposits. This disturbance apparently destroyed anticipated Civil War trenches and late nineteenth-early twentieth century domestic features (e.g., wells, cisterns, privies). Artifacts recovered during survey and data recovery represent primarily secondary deposition of discarded material culture. The SHPO has provided written clearance to proceed with demolition and project development on all phases of the project. This report is submitted in partial fulfilment of Stipulation VII. Archeology Research Design, of the MOA. As required under Stipulation VII.E.3., Brockington and Associates will prepare a public information pamphlet for the project, following approval of the fmal report of investigations.