From the Show Versus Tell newsletter by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta — Volume 3, Month 5 (June 2026)
In October 2023, David Cummings learned that South Downtown's portfolio of 10 city blocks, 16 acres, and 50+ historic buildings — assembled over seven years by German developers at a cost of $248 million — would be auctioned. Cummings' team acquired it on January 2, 2024, and invested 2.5 years developing "Project Elle," blending legacy businesses, new restaurants, cultural retail, unmatched commercial space, and historic residential apartments. The World Cup is now 10 days away.
Safety & Community
Over 600 volunteers completed a Mercedes-Benz Stadium community beautification effort — planting vegetation, painting murals, removing graffiti, and trash removal. A cleaner downtown is a safer downtown.
Restaurant Pipeline
Opening imminently: El Tesoro, Broad Street BBQ, Glide Pizza, and Brewhouse Pub.
Coming this summer: Delilah's, Ida's Kitchen Counter, Mule Train, and Estrellita.
Legacy businesses already open: Friedman's Shoes (95+ years), Tyde Tate Kitchen, Spiller Park Coffee, Crates, Village Books, The Junction, Smorgasburg, and Bottle Rocket.
Founders Green Ribbon Cutting
Governor Kemp and Mayor Dickens officially opened Founders Green park with 150+ attendees. David Cummings provided remarks at the ceremony. South Downtown's central green space is now a reality.
KMM & Co Grand Opening
Custom leather goods manufacturer KMM & Co held its grand opening on Broad Street. "The stage was set, the guitar was strummed, and music and excited chatter filled the new HQ of KMM & Co."
RenderATL First Commercial Lease
RenderATL, led by CEO Justin Samuels, signed the first commercial tenant lease on Broad Street. The organization hosts a two-day technical conference for engineers, technologists, and business minds, and is moving into its new suite the following week.
Development
85 Peachtree Apartments — Now leasing with a waiting list of over 100 people for tours. Visit 85peachtreeatl.com.
Atlanta Tech Village - South Broad Street Suites — 10 private office suites available, move-in ready within two weeks. Suite names derive from historic businesses that previously occupied those spaces.
Summer Kick-Off
The South Downtown Summer Kick-Off is scheduled for June 13th — a celebration as the neighborhood opens to the world.
"This is a moment in time every team member will remember for the rest of their careers." After the World Cup, the focus shifts to downtown workers, students, residents, visitors, and curious locals. South Downtown is your downtown.
Source: Show Versus Tell Newsletter
