Rainbow crosswalk’s a source of pride at Midtown intersection
The rainbow crosswalk at the corner of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue was painted in 2017 in honor of the 49 victims of the Pulse night club shooting in Orlando, FL.
November 4, 2019
The spirit of the block fills the area. From fine dining and relaxing nail spas during the week to the upbeat energy and lively music on the weekends, the colors of the crosswalk, which is located in Midtown at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue, are hard to miss.
Installed in 2017, the rainbow crosswalk cost the city $196,000. Some residents and area workers think the addition was worth the cost.
“I think it was really positive energy when the crosswalks were put in; I remember it being a huge victory,” says Zachary Hamilton, employee at Pita, located off 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue.
The city installed the crosswalk as a celebration of Pride Month to honor of the 49 lives lost during the 2016 Pulse night club shooting in Orlando, FL. The crosswalk is expected to remain in place for at least a decade.
Though Pita is only nearly two years old, Hamilton has lived in Atlanta his entire life and said he is glad to see the progress happening in Atlanta and Midtown.
“This intersection of 10th and Piedmont is kind of like the gay center,” says Hamilton. “There are three gay bars right there, and it’s a very progressive area.”
Other businesses value the location because it’s a busy area of the city.
“The crosswalk doesn’t affect me at all,” says Le Ngoc, owner of Allure Nails Spa. “I opened my business here because it is a great location, and I support the community.”
Pride weekend in early October brought added attention to the area, Hamilton said.
“To see the spirit and vibe out there was so cool; so I think we’re going in a good direction,” says Hamilton.
