A Westside landmark that once gave Black travelers a safe place to stay during segregation is beginning a new chapter, and CBS News Atlanta is telling the story. In a report published October 2, 2026, CBS News Atlanta reporter Jamal Goss traces the history of the Waluhaje Hotel, which opened in 1951 under Walter H. "Chief" Aiken. The hotel was listed in the Green Book, the travel guide that helped Black Americans find welcoming hotels, restaurants, and businesses during segre

ATLANTA, GA — Quest Community Development Corporation (QuestCDC) will celebrate the grand opening of Heritage Village @ West Lake with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, October 29th from 6:00-8:30PM at 239 West Lake Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30314. Join us as we celebrate the preservation and revitalization of the former Waluhaje Hotel as Heritage Village @ West Lake, a vibrant affordable housing community designed to support residents through quality housing, wellness resourc

Partnership Brings Integrated Healthcare to QuestCDC's Newest Affordable Housing Community Quest Community Development Corporation (QuestCDC) is proud to announce that Mercy Care will provide on-site health and wellness services at Heritage Village @ West Lake, further strengthening QuestCDC's commitment to delivering housing connected to the services residents need to thrive. The announcement will be celebrated during the Heritage Village Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on August 26

As Heritage Village @ West Lake prepares to welcome its first residents, Quest Community Development Corporation (QuestCDC) continues building more than affordable housing. Through a new partnership with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, Heritage Village will become a place where residents can access the services, coaching, and opportunities that create lasting economic mobility. The Urban League of Greater Atlanta will establish a presence at Heritage Village, bringing na

History Atlanta developer Walter H. “Chief” Aiken opened the Waluhaje in 1951, a prominent Black-owned apartment-hotel complex and jazz club on West Lake Avenue in northwest Atlanta that played a significant role in the post-war development of the city’s Westside. The name, "Waluhaje", came from combining the first two letters of the names of Mr. Aikens and his wife Lucy, and two of her siblings - Hazel and Jefferson in 1951. (left) Aiken, Walter H., American, 1893 - 1965 so

New Development Plans for Heritage Village An oasis nestled in a once rich and vibrant community, the redevelopment and preservation of this gem will be the catalyst for economic and community development that this Westside community needs and deserves. Heritage Village @ West Lake allows community rebuilding to start with the most vulnerable, hard to reach and lower-income populations. Heritage Village at West Lake site is a full rehabilitation site with 5 story's, multi-fam