From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 5 (June 2025)
"Mountains are moving in downtown!" 371 days until the first World Cup kick-off.
Major Announcements
Cosm held a "steel rising" ceremony at Centennial Yards — the immersive entertainment venue is taking shape.
Underground Atlanta announced Ravine, a music venue returning in a 181,000-square-foot space below Wall Street.
Live Nation announced a 5,300-person concert venue at Centennial Yards.
Atlanta is hosting 8 World Cup games over 38 days with approximately 3.5 million visitors expected.
Safety & Security
The Flock Safety license plate reading system operates 24/7 with data shared with APD. Over 70 Verkada cameras have been installed with 24/7 monitoring by Undaunted, with criminal activity immediately reported via a shared Telegram channel with APD. Five Points MARTA construction, long "a magnet of crime, shootings, and loitering," is now a major safety improvement.
Broad Street BBQ
Founders Jason Furst and Sam Pinner revealed — both Atlanta-born and raised high school friends. Jason was part of the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Atlanta Exceptional Cocktail Award winning team. They previously opened Sammy's in Adair Park. Broad Street BBQ will bookend the South Downtown park alongside El Tesoro.
Community
Duke Alumni toured the neighborhood led by David Cummings. Vanderbilt alumni and entrepreneurs visited led by Brianna Jackson. Six letters of intent are under negotiation with four leases being reviewed — all focused on tenants opening before the World Cup.
Development
85 Peachtree apartments progressing, opening before World Cup.
185 Mitchell — An 1870s building renovation includes 2 two-bedroom apartments, 3 retail/restaurant spaces, 2nd-floor creative office space, shared courtyard, and a new BRT/MARTA A-Line station on Mitchell Street.
Historical Discovery
At 201 Mitchell (Friedman's Shoes location), an early 1900s Pom Pom can was discovered in the basement. Craig Lucie produced the documentary "Legacy in Leather: The Story of Friedman's Shoes — An Atlanta Icon."
Dendrochronology Study
Analysis of growth rings in timber is dating the historic structures. Led by Bryan Capps, Jr. with partnerships from the state University system historians. Axios covered the initiative.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
