From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 6 (July 2025)
Safety & Security
MLK Bridge — Construction completed in June. Official ribbon cutting scheduled for July 18th at 10:00 AM. Features two large sidewalks on both sides, improving pedestrian access to Centennial Yards, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and State Farm Arena.
Five Points MARTA Station — Fencing installed and construction underway. Loitering decreased significantly on Upper Alabama Street compared to previous months.
Greyhound Station Area — New cameras installed across from the station. The transit hub area remains a priority safety focus due to nearby drug market activity and monthly shootings.
Community & Business
Bottle Rocket — The sports bar is relocating to Hotel Row, crossing less than half a mile from its current location on Carrie Steele Bridge.
Smorgasburg Atlanta — Major announcement: the weekly food festival will launch in October at the 140 Forsyth parking lot. Vendor applications are open.
Lime Scooter Partnership — Designated parking spaces launched at Ted Turner and Mitchell corner. Over 900,000 Lime scooter rides occurred citywide in 2025.
Atlanta Tech Week — Successfully hosted events culminating in RenderATL with 8,000 attendees.
Development
The Folio House (143 Alabama Street) — An affordable housing project with Gorman & Company, now under construction. Conversion of a long-vacant building.
Peachtree-Broad Paseo — A new mid-block pedestrian walkway with rooftop patio connecting Peachtree and Broad Streets. Historic facades preserved while non-historic building interiors are hollowed out.
85 Peachtree — 26 apartment units and two restaurant spaces under construction. Completion targeted for 2026.
140 Forsyth Parking Lot — Undergoing substantial renovation with asphalt completed in June for the Smorgasburg venue.
The development team is hiring one position focused on restaurant and retail tenant success, with eight new dining establishments planned within the coming year.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter