From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 4 (May 2025)
400 days until the World Cup.
Transportation
MARTA is closing three of four Five Points station entrances for 60 days during renovations. Nearly complete bike lane connectivity to the Beltline and South Beltline Trail exists, with only three unprotected blocks remaining. The Atlanta A-Line Bus Rapid Transit is expected to connect South Downtown to Summerhill and Peoplestown.
Safety & Security
SoDo established a partnership with Undaunted, a local startup deploying robotic dogs for parking lot and construction site monitoring with 24/7 remote monitoring via Telegram integration with off-duty police. A shooting incident at 5:37 PM injured a police officer who was taken to Grady hospital, prompting increased camera infrastructure. Continued support for Partners for Home and Atlanta Continuum of Care addressing homelessness.
Community
Crates — Owner Darryl's vinyl and home goods store opened on Hotel Row with its grand opening, bringing "a long history of community building."
King of Pops — Pop-up scheduled Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 2 PM on Hotel Row, complementing Spiller Park and Tyde Tate Kitchen.
David Cummings Panel — CEO David Cummings participated in a panel about downtown investment alongside leaders from Underground Atlanta (Shaneel Lalani), Centennial Yards (Brian McGowan), and The Stitch (Jack Cebe).
Development Discoveries
A bee colony was safely relocated from 171 Mitchell Street, the future El Tesoro site. Historic bricks were discovered beneath the 140 Forsyth parking lot pavement and are being repurposed for Broad Street masonry restoration. Mobilization began at 85 Peachtree with scaffolding installation. Infrastructure partner: Kimley-Horn.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
