From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 11 (December 2025)
189 days until the World Cup. A "group-project mindset" is emerging between Five Points and Garnett MARTA stations — just 0.4 miles apart.
Infrastructure
Broad Street Project — Approximately $6 million in combined City, MARTA, and SoDo Atlanta funding for a complete street overhaul: new sidewalks, lighting, tree beds, pavers, benches, bike racks, and curb cuts. Project Manager: Jennifer Ball of ADID.
Georgia Power Grid — SoDo invested seven figures out-of-pocket with Georgia Power for electrical grid updates and infrastructure improvements.
Safety — Five Points MARTA
Five Points MARTA remains a top concern and priority. Georgia State students actively avoid the station, exiting at Peachtree Center instead and walking south. The concrete block above the station is being dismantled. Collaborative stakeholders working on solutions: City of Atlanta, ADID, Underground, AMBSE, Centennial Yards, GSU, Selig, and APD. Making Five Points MARTA safe and clean is "arguably one of downtown's greatest unlocks."
Community
Mule Train Restaurant — Farm-to-table restaurant under construction in the former Miller's Rexall Drug Store on Broad Street. Operators Mike and Shyretha Sheats previously ran pop-ups focusing on Southern foodways with chef-driven technique.
Smorgasburg — Operating through three more Saturdays this season. Special note for the Georgia-Alabama SEC Championship game (4:00 PM kickoff) — pre-game at Smorgasburg recommended.
Pre-World Cup Broad Street Openings Planned: Brewhouse Pub, Broad Street BBQ (fronting the pocket park), El Tesoro (fronting the pocket park), and a kitchen counter diner.
Development
Maker Space — Taking over the former HL Green store. Under construction. The distinctive neon corner sign at Broad and MLK Jr. Drive has been removed for preservation (implying future restoration).
Pocket Park — A half-acre green space between Peachtree and Broad Streets featuring a 20x25 stage area for performances and watch parties, a playful kids' mound, and mature trees from Trees Atlanta. Fronting both Broad Street BBQ and El Tesoro. Construction commenced.
Kessler Lofts — Active construction visible across 10 city blocks.
World Cup Opportunities
Available: 10+ summer leases, a 2-acre parking lot activation, corner lot at 222 Mitchell for hospitality tent, 30 apartment units (monthly rental), 12+ private spec office spaces, and a Town Square partnership. Contact: [email protected].
Historical Context
Jacob's Pharmacy — location of the first Coca-Cola sale. Liquid Carbonics HQ on the 222 Mitchell city block. Rich's Department Store — site of October 19, 1960 sit-ins with AUC students and Dr. King. General Sherman resided on Mitchell and Washington Streets during the Civil War occupation.
Recommended: the "Acquired" podcast team's production about Atlanta featuring Coca-Cola history. Kenneth Lee's book on the Civil War and Sherman's occupation.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
