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Get the story behind the places, faces, and current events shaping the downtownATL district.
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Fast-moving downtownATL editorial updates and city momentum coverage.
The MLK Bridge ribbon cutting is July 18th. Smorgasburg Atlanta announces its October launch at 140 Forsyth. The Folio House affordable housing project begins construction at 143 Alabama. And 85 Peachtree's 26 apartments target 2026.
Partners for Home is spearheading a "Downtown Rising" initiative to house approximately 400 unsheltered individuals by the end of 2025 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The effort combines outreach, rapid rehousing, and wraparound services, though advocates warn against enforcement-first approaches.
Mountains are moving downtown. Cosm holds a steel rising ceremony. Live Nation announces a 5,300-seat venue. Broad Street BBQ founders Jason Furst and Sam Pinner are revealed. And Craig Lucie produces a documentary on Friedman's Shoes' 95+ year legacy.
Cox Enterprises, Georgia-Pacific, Home Depot, and Southern Co. were announced as the first local sponsors for Atlanta's eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches — a first in FIFA history allowing host committees to secure local sponsors.
Atlanta police are implementing comprehensive safety measures ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the city will host eight matches and an estimated 300,000 visitors. Officials are drawing on lessons from recent security incidents — including the 2025 New Orleans Sugar Bowl attack — to close vulnerabilities.
Undaunted deploys robotic dogs for 24/7 security monitoring. Crates opens on Hotel Row. King of Pops launches a weekday pop-up. Historic bricks discovered under 140 Forsyth. And a bee colony is safely relocated from 171 Mitchell — the future El Tesoro site.
With 6.5 billion viewers expected to watch Atlanta host eight 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, city leaders are racing to showcase infrastructure improvements, boost public safety, and maximize a projected $500 million economic impact.
Bus detours come first, then entrance closures at Alabama, Broad and Peachtree. Rail service and transfers keep running throughout.
El Tesoro Mexican restaurant announces its South Downtown expansion. Crates vinyl shop opens on Hotel Row. Officer Blue transitions to neighborhood security lead. And the 1996-built Broad Street follies are being repurposed for bike parking.
Mayor Dickens told MARTA's board that Atlanta is shifting away from a $230 million Eastside Trail rail line. The streetcar would reach Krog Street Market and stop there.
An independent audit found an $865,000 discrepancy, not the $70 million the city's auditors alleged. MARTA is using the result to press for permits.
Brianna Jackson launches Heart of South Downtown to drive job growth and entrepreneurship. Delilah's Everyday Soul gets construction permits at 227 Mitchell. Broad Street reconstruction begins. And 80 subcontractors tour the 4-million-square-foot SoDo portfolio.
A wanted murder suspect is caught in 30 seconds using Verkada cameras. ATV-Sylvan opens with 30,000 square feet in the 115-year-old Sylvan Hotel. South Downtown's first chess tournament launches. David Cummings becomes Chair of Central Atlanta Progress. And the $97M 222 Mitchell project advances.
Atlanta Tech Village opens its 30,000-square-foot Sylvan workspace with Mayor Dickens addressing a packed house. The $97 million, 215-unit 222 Mitchell project is revealed. Forsyth Street gets new lanes, bollards, and curb stops. And APD launches the Lock, Hide, Keep campaign after 1,100+ guns were stolen from vehicles in 2024.
Metro Atlanta Chamber reports $8 billion being invested in downtown. MARTA's Five Points renovation is vital for a car-free South Downtown. A SEC Championship tailgate launches at Centennial Yards. And 100-year-old tiles spelling "Empire Clothing Co." are uncovered during demolition.
