From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 2, Month 8 (September 2025)
"Will we be ready for the World Cup?" 280 days remaining. The readiness metrics: 10 new restaurants and shops opening, 15-20 additional unique experiences in temporary or activation sites, fresh sidewalks between Five Points and Garnett MARTA stations, FIFA-approved sponsor partnerships for parking lot activations, a safe and secure neighborhood, humane relocation of vulnerable populations, and historic preservation with walkability.
Safety & Security
MLK Street Encampment Resolution — Documented July 10th by urban advocate Phil Veasy (@Urban_Connector), a nearly 50-day intervention resulted in 74 people transitioning from a street encampment to permanent housing, coordinated by Partners for Home and Councilman Jason Dozier.
ADID Headquarters Relocation — Atlanta Downtown Improvement District moved to 170 Mitchell Street (from the Mason's/ATV building) while their new office build-out completes. Goal: enhanced Ambassador presence throughout the neighborhood.
MARTA Leadership — A shooting incident at Five Points Station noted as unacceptable. The next MARTA CEO is identified as potentially the most significant hire for downtown revitalization in 5 years.
Community
Maker Space — SoDo and Atlanta Tech Village are developing a maker space. The team toured facilities at MIT, Carnegie Mellon University, and Georgia Tech over 45 days. Equipment planned: laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers, and woodworking tools. Community input is being solicited.
New Team Member — Morgan Murdock joins as Restaurant and Retail Fit-Outs Specialist (formerly W&A Engineering and Kimley-Horn) to guide tenant build-outs and advance the 10-restaurant goal by Summer 2026.
Smorgasburg Atlanta — Food vendor applications announced. Opening date: October 2025 at 140 Forsyth. Still accepting applications at smorgasburgatlanta.com.
Leasing — One lease signed in August with multiple LOIs being negotiated. Announcements expected in September.
Film Screening — "From Slavery to Legacy: The Alonzo Herndon Story" at ATV third floor, partnered with Heart of South Downtown. Sold out — generated conversations and community connections.
Development
185 Mitchell Street — Facade restoration scaffolding installed by Peter Constructive for meticulous original brick restoration. Planned: 2nd-floor apartment, 3rd-floor apartment, and a ground-floor restaurant (lease recently signed).
140 Forsyth — Power installation completed with Georgia Power collaboration for the Smorgasburg venue.
92 Broad Street — Severely dilapidated with a partially collapsed roof. Building hollowed out internally, facade retained. Creates increased light and outdoor seating opportunity for adjacent businesses.
Five Points MARTA Station — Renovation underway with scaffolding installation.
Archaeological Discoveries
Broad Street excavation has yielded a Civil War-era bullet and an antique brooch — evidence of occupation predating the 120+ year-old buildings.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
