Downtown Atlanta in the news.

City Briefings

Show Versus Tell V3M1: Broad Street Rising, 85 Peachtree Leasing, and ATL Global Innovation Weekend

Seven general contractors and hundreds of workers are building six days a week across South Downtown. 85 Peachtree apartments launch leasing this spring, Estrellita relocates to 115 Broad Street, and the ATL Global Innovation Weekend brings builders together.

Feb 4, 2026

Downtown Development

Atlanta Opens Small Business Grants and Loans for World Cup Preparation

Showcase Atlanta launched grants up to $5,000 and loans up to $15,000 to help downtown small businesses prepare for the World Cup — plus a youth entrepreneurship accelerator with vendor licenses for the tournament.

Feb 4, 2026

Downtown Development

A UK tech startup is making downtown Atlanta its U.S. headquarters

London-based fintech startup Ekko has chosen Atlanta as its U.S. headquarters, setting up shop at Atlanta Tech Village's South Downtown location. The company embeds in payment systems to show consumers the environmental impact of their purchases and offer options to offset them.

Feb 2, 2026

Sports

Artificial turf removed from Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of World Cup

Mercedes-Benz Stadium removed its artificial turf over the past weekend as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup, with natural grass installation scheduled to be completed before an Atlanta United match in March.

Feb 2, 2026

Downtown Development

Open drinking in Atlanta? Historic South Downtown could be the first.

Atlanta is considering allowing open alcohol containers in South Downtown to attract more visitors, particularly during the FIFA World Cup this summer. City Council Member Jason Dozier introduced legislation to create an entertainment district spanning 57 buildings across roughly 16 acres.

Jan 31, 2026

Downtown Development

Atlanta Hawks Pioneer Accessibility Technology at State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Hawks became the first franchise at State Farm Arena to adopt OneCourt — a haptic device that lets blind and low-vision fans follow live basketball through vibrations — proving that downtown Atlanta's arenas can be for everyone.

Jan 30, 2026

Food & Drink

Estrellita is leaving Grant Park for 115 Broad St. SW in South Downtown

Michelin Bib Gourmand Filipino restaurant Estrellita is moving from Grant Park to 115 Broad St. SW in South Downtown.

Jan 30, 2026

Food & Drink

Coffee Was Black Brings Caribbean Flavors and Coffee's African Roots to Auburn Avenue

Owner Malcolm Voltaire pours sorrel, hibiscus and ginger into drinks at a Sweet Auburn shop built on Black business history.

Jan 28, 2026

Downtown Development

The Stitch: Atlanta Plans 14 Acres of Green Space Over the Downtown Connector

A newly formed nonprofit will oversee building parks atop the Downtown Connector from Piedmont Avenue to West Peachtree — 14 acres of green space estimated at $713 million, modeled on the Beltline's governance. Phase 1 targets 2027 groundbreaking.

Jan 27, 2026

Downtown Development

Trinity Central Flats Is Finally Under Construction Across From City Hall

Infrastructure work is underway on Trinity Central Flats, a 218-unit, all-affordable project at 104 Trinity Ave. that has been in the pipeline since the end of the pandemic, with a projected opening in late 2027.

Jan 21, 2026

Sports

There are 150 days to go, and World Cup work is ongoing in Atlanta

With 150 days until the first match, Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium are deep into World Cup preparations—from natural grass installation to fan festival planning in Centennial Olympic Park. Organizers say both ticket holders and those without tickets will have ways to experience the tournament.

Jan 16, 2026

Downtown Development

Inside Centennial Yards: Atlanta's $5 Billion Bet on Downtown's Future

CIM Group's transformation of the 50-acre Gulch into a mixed-use neighborhood is one of the South's largest construction projects — with Hotel Phoenix open, entertainment district rising, and thousands of apartments coming.

Jan 15, 2026

Arts & Culture

Buzz In: The Gameshow Studio Opens at 22 Park Place, Downtown's Newest Hosted Attraction

The Gameshow Studio opened in January 2026 at 22 Park Place SE, sharing space with Spin Art, offering a 60-minute hosted game-show experience with a stage, lighting, and buzzers for groups.

Jan 14, 2026

Downtown Development

The Atlanta Streetcar Comes Back Feb. 3 After Five Months Off the Tracks

MARTA says the Atlanta Streetcar will resume service on its downtown loop Feb. 3, after Georgia Power utility work forced a suspension that began in early September.

Jan 13, 2026

Food & Drink

New year shakes up metro Atlanta dining scene, and more local restaurant happenings

Metro Atlanta's dining landscape experienced significant shifts as 2026 began, with notable relocations at Lee + White, closures at Ponce City Market, and a new Ethiopian restaurant debuting at Switchman Hall.

Jan 10, 2026