From the Show vs. Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 1, Month 7 (August 2024)
No dog days of summer in South Downtown. Four new hires, a new National Historic registered building in the portfolio, and construction officially underway.
Safety & Security
Major Singh's leadership has significantly increased APD communication and engagement via Telegram around the clock. July included several meetings with leaders dedicated to serving Atlanta's unhoused population — mapping available services to identify gaps and solutions.
New Team Members
Four additions: Marlowe Mathis-Shannon (12+ years project management and engineering), Jaren Abedania (experience with Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine revitalization), Bryan Capps (18 months pursuing this portfolio), and Jessica Needham (GSU grad) as controller.
Community
Third Lot Party held for Chelsea vs. Club America. Tours from Metro Atlanta Chamber and Invest Atlanta. International Women's Forum C-suite tour. Three neighborhood-defining restaurateurs and a local grocer in advanced talks. Atlanta History Center's Party with the Past scheduled for September 18th.
Development
Groundbreaking for ATV-Sylvan underway, targeting January opening. Concordia Hall — owned by the Teilhaber family of Friedman's Shoes — joins SoDo Atlanta's portfolio. Project managers refining Project Elle pricing with contractors and architects. Multiple additional permits imminent. 22 months to the World Cup.