The Model T Atlanta: The Untold Story Of How A Beloved Gay Dive Bar Survived Gentrification And Reborn As 'The T'

The Model T Atlanta is not just a name from the past; it represents a pivotal chapter in Atlanta’s ever-changing LGBTQ+ nightlife and the city’s rapid development boom. For decades, this unpretentious dive bar served as a vital, no-frills sanctuary for the queer community, tucked away in the shadow of the city's most infamous grocery store. Its history, dating back to the early 1990s, is a powerful narrative of community resilience against the relentless forces of gentrification. As of late 2025, the original location of The Model T is gone, a casualty of the massive urban redevelopment that swept through the Ponce de Leon corridor. However, its spirit, its clientele, and its unique brand of inclusivity were successfully transplanted and reborn. This is the definitive, up-to-date story of The Model T, its closure, and its enduring legacy as "The T in Grant Park."

The Model T Atlanta: A Biography of an Iconic Atlanta Institution

The Model T's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the Virginia Highlands and Poncey-Highland neighborhoods, standing as an anchor for the LGBTQ+ community long before the area became a hub for high-end retail and luxury apartments.

• Original Name: The Model T (sometimes referred to as Model T's)
• Original Location (Closed): 699 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 (Located in the Ford Factory Lofts complex, adjacent to the former "Murder Kroger").
• Original Owner/Founder: Jill Darmer (Opened the bar approximately 25 years prior to 2016).
• Years of Operation (Original Location): Circa 1991 – 2019 (Approximately 28 years).
• Reason for Closure: New development and unsustainable rising rent costs, a direct side effect of the Atlanta BeltLine and Ponce City Market development.
• Successor Location (Current): The T in Grant Park (or simply "The T").
• Current Address: 465 Boulevard SE, Suite 103-A, Atlanta, GA 30312 (In the Historic Grant Park neighborhood).
• Atmosphere: A classic, casual, and beloved gay dive bar known for strong, cheap drinks, karaoke, pool, and a mix of young and older clientele.
• Current Status: The T in Grant Park is currently open and operating under the same ownership.

The Unofficial Landmark: Living in the Shadow of 'Murder Kroger'

The Model T's legendary status was intrinsically linked to its location next to the notorious Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue, a store that earned the macabre nickname "Murder Kroger" due to its history of crime and the general sketchiness of the surrounding area. This proximity was a defining characteristic, creating a unique, gritty edge that appealed to its diverse clientele. The bar was a safe haven—a brightly lit, welcoming space in an area that was otherwise known for its rougher elements. The bar's address placed it in the heart of a major redevelopment zone. The pressure began mounting with the opening of Ponce City Market, an enormous mixed-use project that revitalized the former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. This, combined with the explosive popularity of the Atlanta BeltLine (an urban trail built on former railway corridors), catalyzed a massive surge in property values and rent across the entire corridor. The final blow came when "Murder Kroger" was demolished to make way for the 725 Ponce mixed-use development, a $190 million project. The demolition and subsequent construction made the Model T's location untenable, forcing the owner, Jill Darmer, to seek a new home. This closure around 2019 was not an isolated incident; it was part of a larger, painful trend of Atlanta gay bar closures, including other historic venues like Burkhart's and Jungle, as rising costs and development reshaped the city’s LGBTQ+ geography.

The Rebirth: From The Model T to The T in Grant Park

In a move that demonstrated remarkable commitment to the community, the owner of The Model T refused to let the institution die. Instead, the bar was successfully relocated to the historic Grant Park neighborhood, taking over the former Grant Park Tavern space. The new location was rebranded simply as "The T" or "The T in Grant Park." The transition was crucial for preserving the bar's identity. While the grit of the Ponce de Leon location was gone, the new space retained the essential elements that made the original so beloved: a genuine, casual, and judgment-free atmosphere.

What to Expect at The T in Grant Park (The Model T’s Successor)

The T in Grant Park has become an essential entity in the newer wave of Atlanta's LGBTQ+ social scene, offering a much-needed alternative to the high-energy clubs of Midtown. It continues the traditions established by The Model T, ensuring that the bar’s original spirit is not lost to history.

• The Dive Bar Vibe: The T is celebrated for maintaining its status as a quintessential gay dive bar. It is a comfortable, low-key spot where patrons can relax, shoot a game of pool, or enjoy the jukebox.
• Potent & Affordable Drinks: Reviews consistently praise the drinks as being both potent and cheap, a rarity in rapidly gentrifying Atlanta. This focus on affordability ensures the bar remains accessible to a broad demographic.
• Community Events: The bar is known for hosting regular events, including karaoke nights, Industry nights, and games like Texas Hold'em, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Diverse Clientele: Just like its predecessor, The T welcomes a diverse clientele, including a mix of younger and older gay men, lesbians, and straight allies, embodying the spirit of an inclusive community bar.

The story of The Model T Atlanta is a microcosm of the city’s development struggles. It highlights the constant tension between economic progress, as seen in the Ponce City Market and BeltLine projects, and the preservation of historic, culturally significant LGBTQ+ spaces. While the physical structure at 699 Ponce de Leon is a memory, The T in Grant Park stands as a testament to the enduring need for safe, authentic, and unpretentious queer spaces in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Its successful relocation is a victory for Atlanta's LGBTQ+ history and a crucial reminder that community is not tied to a single address but to the people and the spirit they carry forward.