From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 1, Month 11 (December 2024)
552 days until the first kick on the pitch. Metro Atlanta Chamber reports $8 billion being invested in downtown among numerous projects.
MARTA Five Points
The Five Points renovation is highlighted as "vital to the heartbeat of our city." South Downtown is developing apartments without designated parking, requiring reliable public transportation. "MARTA is the key ingredient toward a neighborhood where cars are the guests."
Safety & Security
Chief Schierbaum of APD met with South Downtown leadership at Atlanta Tech Village - Mason's location. Discussion focused on downtown security strategies and documented crime areas.
Community
Tours Completed: Leadership Atlanta alumni immersion, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Harvard Business School alumni group, plus two additional community tours remaining before year-end.
Active Leasing: Five Letters of Intent under negotiation with operators and creators.
SEC Championship Tailgate — Saturday, December 7 on Carrie Steele Bridge at Centennial Yards. Noon to 3:30 PM. Participants: Wild Leap, Tyde Tate Kitchen, Spiller Park Coffee, Atlanta Hawks.
Development
ATV-Sylvan opening scheduled for late January. Tech-focused workspace with leasing underway targeting ambitious startups.
H.L. Green Building — Interior demolition and cleanup completed.
Sylvan Hotel Sign — The historic sign was reconnected to the building before New Year. Hotel Row is described as "one of Atlanta's oldest and most historic blocks in the original Terminal District." For generations, travelers would get off the train at Terminal Station (now the Richard B. Russell Building) and walk down Hotel Row where they would find 250 merchants.
142 Mitchell Building — Historic, nationally designated building undergoing non-structural interior demolition and environmental remediation. Project Executive Marlowe Mathis-Shannon documents historic discoveries during renovation.
Historic Discovery
Adjacent building demolition revealed 100-year-old tile flooring spelling "Empire Clothing Co." — a matching historical photograph from the era shows the original storefront signage. "A treasure hunt for historic finds."
Broad Street Infrastructure
Collaboration between South Downtown, City of Atlanta, MARTA, ATL DOT, and Invest Atlanta to improve the MARTA-to-MARTA pedestrian experience on Broad Street between Five Points and Garnett stations. Current sidewalks lack ADA compliance. Creative funding solutions being developed before World Cup.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter