Bowen Homes was named to honor the memory of two distinguished Atlanta citizens jointly.   Dr. J.W.E. Bowen, Sr., a well-known religious and civic leader, and Bishop J.W.E Bowen, Jr., formerly presiding bishop of the Atlantic Coast Area of the Methodist Church. 

Bowen Homes provided homes for approximately 4,000 people displaced primarily from the old Buttermilk Bottoms area and other areas surrounding the Atlanta Civic Center.

Bowen Homes was part of the Low Rent Housing Program located at Yates Drive, NW and Wilkes Circle. It was completed on March 10, 1964.

Bowen Homes was an African American community of art and culture, personal histories, and the experiences of thousands of former residents who called Bowen Homes "Home".