Page 28 - Welcome-to-DeKalb-2018-Newcomers-Guide

Welcome to Lithonia, the small
heartbeat of DeKalb!
Lithonia, known as the “City of Stone”
because of the unique granite in the
area, offers many wonderful things
to see and do. As one of DeKalb’s
older cities, there are many historical
buildings such as churches and homes
as well as areas to visit and explore.
Being listed on the National Register of
Historic Places is a source of pride that
we invite you to learn more about.

Our Main Street Downtown area offers
This is needs of all members of the family.
This is
a variety of businesses to meet the
We have restaurants that include old-
fashioned BBQ, delectable seafood,
LITHONIA wraps, smoothies and vegan options.
and nutritious
There are also consignment shops, a
bookstore, and video gaming.
There is also the Lithonia Park and the
Bruce Street Park where you can relax,
have a picnic and enjoy the weather.
Lithonia is a city fi lled with rich history. according to the Historic Preservation For those wanting to move about a bit
Division. Lithonia gneiss, a rock which
The city of granite has maintained its the city is named for, played a role in more, we have the PATH walking and
history through its historic buildings in construction throughout the United States biking trail
the Lithonia Historic District, which was since 1879. Lithonia gneiss is featured in that leads from Downtown Lithonia
listed on the National Register of Historic much of the city’s architecture. to over 33 miles of trail in the Arabia
Places in October 2016. However, the city Mountain National Heritage Area.
is searching for a new look but one with the Lithonia’s historic downtown is a mix of
same historic feel. commercial and residential development There is lots to do in DeKalb! Visit our
representing common late-19th- to mid- website at http://www.citvoflithoniaga.
In comes a new development in the center 20th-century housing types and styles. org to see what’s happening and sign
of the city—Granite Crossing. Main Street runs vertical to the Georgia/ up for the monthly newsletter. We
CSX Railroad corridor.
Granite Crossing, a $14.7 million hope you enjoy your visit and decide
development, is a 75-unit complex that Commercial buildings made of brick and to return
includes 24 one-bedroom units, 45 two- gneiss are in a two-block area along soon!
bedroom units and six three-bedroom Main Street from its intersection with the
apartments for residents with annual railroad. Community landmark buildings
incomes of up to $40,000. in the district include the Masonic Lodge
(1916), the Lithonia Woman’s Club (1928),
The development includes a pool, gazebo, the Lithonia First United Methodist
computer room, community room and other Church—originally Lithonia M.E. Church
amenities. City offi cials said they hope the (1910), Antioch Baptist Church (1911), The
new development attracts new residents to Union Missionary Church (1911), the Bruce
the city. Street Elementary and High School (1955),
and “The Seminary” (1895), which was
Before Lithonia became a city, it was individually listed in the National Register
originally a crossroads settlement that in 1978.
served the trading needs of a community of
rural farmers. Lithonia then grew with the Lithonia is home of the Collard Green
development of the Georgia Railroad—now Cultural Festival, which is held every Deborah A. Jackson
CSX. September at the Lithonia City Park and Mayor, City of Lithonia
Amphitheater. The city also established its
The rail line, which runs through the city, own farmer’s market in 2016.
connected Lithonia with Atlanta and
Augusta in 1845. In the late 19th century, The city also features Lithonia Middle
the line allowed Lithonia to prosper as School and Lithonia Davidson Library.
a center of the regional granite industry,

28 | 2018 Newcomers Guide & DeKalb Chamber Membership Directory