From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 3, Month 2 (March 2026)
Less than 100 days remain until the World Cup begins, with eight matches scheduled in Atlanta. South Downtown's investment runs deep — construction costs approximately $1,800 per square foot on one side of South Broad and $1,200 on the other, with fully stabilized annual yields below Treasury bill rates. This is a necessary long-term commitment to restore 120-year-old buildings.
Safety & Security
Pedestrian traffic downtown is increasing with Five Points development, new business openings, completed sidewalks and streets, and the MARTA A-Line completing in seven weeks. The A-Line will create a designated bus lane on MLK and Mitchell, converting former street parking. South Downtown is positioned as the neighborhood where a car-lite or car-less lifestyle can flourish.
Community
The Junction Reopens — At 76 Forsyth Street, mother-and-son operators Jasmine and Shafi have brought back this sandwich shop after more than 30 years in South Downtown, funded by an Invest Atlanta SBIG grant.
Smorgasburg Atlanta Launches — Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through November, more than 40 food and retail vendors set up in South Downtown. The launch was coordinated with the Atlanta United home opener.
ATL Global Innovation Weekend Results — Heart of South Downtown's 48-hour event in February brought together more than 30 builders, generated more than 20 ideas, and delivered 5 final pitches. CEO Brianna Jackson: "Atlanta is not short on talent. It is not short on ideas. And it is not short on people willing to build."
Development
Broad Street Construction — Sidewalks expanding between Five Points and Garnett MARTA stations with tree-growing areas and pedestrian spaces. Concrete poured between Trinity and Mitchell Streets.
85 Peachtree Paseo — A mid-block walkway connecting Peachtree Street to Broad Street is taking shape with evening lighting installations creating atmospheric effects.
81 Peachtree — Scaffolding removed from the Peachtree-facing side, revealing the historic facade and mid-block walkway entrance connecting to Broad Street.
Founders Green — The central green space on South Broad is under active construction. Tree pattern layout is taking shape with designated stage space and a kids' mound area.
Artifact Discovery
During construction at 185 Mitchell courtyard (formerly an alley behind 187 Mitchell), crews discovered a Jacobs' Pharmacy bottle estimated from 1910-1920. Project Manager Bryan Capps, Jr. noted that Jacobs' Pharmacy operated at the corner of Whitehall and Alabama Street during that era — the former Payless building location. A remarkable piece of Atlanta history unearthed.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
