The investors leading South Downtown's revitalization have acquired the historic building housing one of Atlanta's most iconic shoe retailers. Jon Birdsong and David Cummings, entrepreneurs behind Atlanta Ventures, purchased the structure at 209 Mitchell St. for $7.5 million on July 22. Since 1929, the building has been home to Friedman's Shoes, a family-operated business celebrated for distinctive footwear and large sizes popular with professional athletes.
The 37,000-square-foot building joins a substantial portfolio of over 50 century-old structures and several acres of parking lots that Birdsong and Cummings acquired last year. Their holdings span 10 blocks south of the Five Points MARTA station as part of an ambitious effort to transform the area into an entrepreneurial hub while maintaining its historic character.
Friedman's Shoes is expected to remain at its current location temporarily before relocating to another Mitchell Street property in early 2026.