Category: Downtown Development

Ready to see the next chapter for the former CNN Center? You soon can.

The reimagined CNN Center, now called The Center, will reopen its food hall and atrium in May ahead of the World Cup. CP Group announced the 24,000-square-foot space will feature dining options including the city's largest bar, marking a milestone in the building's $50 million transformation.

Rendering of the interior of The Center, the redevelopment of the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, slated to open in May 2026.

The reimagined CNN Center, now called The Center, will reopen in May ahead of the World Cup. CP Group, the developer transforming the former media hub into a rebranded complex called The Center, announced it will open the project's revamped food hall and atrium in May. The 24,000-square-foot space will feature several dining options and is described as "the beating heart" of the project. It’s a milestone for the high-profile project, which recently completed $50 million in exterior renovations and signage improvements.

Before the pandemic and CNN’s departure from the site, the building and its central food court was a popular tourist destination in downtown. The revamp is focused on blending into the surrounding entertainment core of downtown, which features Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The food hall, called CTR Food Works, will include the city’s largest bar and restaurants including La Tropical, Fuzzy’s, Patty & Frank’s, Mimi Taqueria, Flora D’Italia and the Dessert Box bakery. Mastro’s Ocean Club will open mid-2026 as a high-end restaurant focusing on steaks and seafood. CP Group will invest $15 million into the atrium and food hall before opening in May.

Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park, once a neglected area in downtown Atlanta, was transformed into a vibrant gathering space for the 1996 Summer Olympics through private donations and community support. Today, the Park anchors a thriving entertainment district, contributing significantly to Atlanta's economic growth.

265 Park Ave W NW | Atlanta

Flora D'Italia

Flora D'Italia

Italian counter serving pasta and pizza inside CTR Food Works at The CTR.

190 Marietta St NW | Atlanta

La Tropical

La Tropical

Latin and Caribbean counter inside CTR Food Works at The CTR.

190 Marietta St NW | Atlanta

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, with a retractable petal roof and a famously priced concession menu. Hosts World Cup matches, the SEC Championship, the Peach Bowl and major stadium tours.

1 AMB Dr NW | Atlanta

MiMi Taqueria

MiMi Taqueria

Tacos and Mexican street food inside CTR Food Works, the food hall at The CTR.

190 Marietta St NW | Atlanta

Patty & Frank's

Patty & Frank's

Burgers and hot dogs inside CTR Food Works at The CTR.

190 Marietta St NW | Atlanta

Keep exploring

Time to quench your next downtownATL curiosity! How shall we proceed?