From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 7 (August 2025)
Safety & Security
APD Officer Blue, Sergeant Franklin, and Zone 5 Leader Major Hunt coordinated a tour for 25 Zone 5 officers through South Downtown. Officers toured the new residential building under construction and met tenants and revitalization teams. Three pillars emphasized: people, process, and technology.
Over 100 Verkada and Flock Safety cameras are now deployed throughout the neighborhood with 24/7 offsite monitoring. Additional cameras being installed in buildings not owned by the organization, particularly in high-crime areas. The 24/7 monitoring team notifies APD, enabling proactive officer response within minutes.
Challenges remain: the Greyhound station continues experiencing shooting incidents, and Broad Street Plaza north of Five Points MARTA has open drug activity.
Community
Mercedes-Benz Stadium Partnership — During the Beyoncé concert, the Dogwood Parking Lot was designated for rideshare pickup/drop-off, achieving over 300 rideshare transactions nightly.
Book Event — Reading and signing of "Goodbye, Sweetberry Park" by Josh Green. "The summer read of the season is set in Atlanta and contains themes our city traverses today: development, preservation, gentrification, and...even snakes!"
Development
Origin Hotel — Now open with 120 hotel rooms. Led by Tim and Carlos with a large lobby bar/restaurant, located within a 10-minute walk to downtown.
85 Peachtree — Atlanta's first department store, 125 years old and vacant for 30+ years. Planned: 26-unit residential development (34 people total). Expected return on investment: 4.82% — barely exceeding the current 3-month T-bill or high-yield savings rates. Birdsong emphasizes financial transparency about the long-term nature of this investment.
Smorgasburg Development (140 Forsyth) — Broad Street follies (decorative structures) relocated and reinstalled at this location, providing bike parking and shade.
MLK Bridge — ATL DOT ribbon cutting completed. Reconnects Ted Turner and Forsyth areas, creating direct vehicular, bike, and pedestrian access westbound toward Centennial Yards. Bike lane forthcoming.
Leasing
In July, one lease and three LOIs (letters of intent) were signed. Announcements being crafted and timed.
Heart of South Downtown
Merchandise line launched: hats, mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit mission. A Black Business Month film screening and panel — "Celebrating Black Entrepreneurship: Alonzo Herndon Watch Party & Panel" — scheduled on Eventbrite.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter