From the Show vs. Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 1, Month 10 (November 2024)
Atlanta's downtown economic pillars are drawing visitors every week — Falcons victories, Atlanta United vs. Miami, State Farm Arena concerts, Hawks tip-off. SoDo's challenge: how to pull MARTA riders off Five Points onto Broad Street and into South Downtown.
Safety & Security
Crime on Upper Alabama (Peachtree to Forsyth) addressed directly: two shootings and a stabbing in October alone. Annual private security investment exceeds $1M — 24/7 off-duty APD, Skylar Security, Flock Safety, Ring, and Verkada cameras. Coordination underway with APD, ADID, and Lelani Ventures/Underground Atlanta. Gratitude to Major Singh, Officer Blue, Officer DeForest, and the APD South Downtown team.
Community
New wayfinding signs painted atop 222 Mitchell and 76 Forsyth's parking garage directing neighbors toward coffee and food. Artist Tilt repaints his iconic mural between Broad and Peachtree — originally created 12 years ago for the Office of Cultural Affairs' Elevate event. Venture Atlanta sends two busloads of attendees through the neighborhood. New community tours announced through year-end.
Development
Landmark land swap with Fulton County: the Forsyth and Mitchell corner lot (previously occupied by 40+ county vehicles) exchanged for a SoDo parking lot on Peachtree Street — barbed wire coming down. BLDGS architects engaged to maximize residential units at 222 Mitchell. Interior demo ongoing at 191, 185, 82, 85, 142, and 222 Mitchell — uncovering Empire Clothing Company tile floors and Schlitz Distributors artifacts.