Strategic projects and public-private partnerships fuel downtown’s next chapter
Downtown Atlanta is the heart of the nation’s eighth-largest metro area and one of its fastest-growing regions. As the city’s most connected neighborhood, it plays a vital role in driving regional prosperity and shaping the broader perception of Atlanta. Backed by $8.2 billion in public and private investment, including $1.1 billion already in motion and $7.1 billion planned, Downtown is undergoing a transformation at an unprecedented scale.
A contributor to this momentum is Centennial Yards, a $5 billion, 50-acre redevelopment project adjacent to the world-class Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. The first residential tower, The Mitchell, recently opened, bringing 304 new apartment units to the area. Additional developments are in progress, including Hotel Phoenix, slated to open in November 2025. Two major entertainment venues are also underway: Cosm, an immersive digital experience opening in 2026, and a new Live Nation 5,000-seat arena expected in 2027.
Just south of Centennial Yards, the South Downtown redevelopment is revitalizing 57 historic buildings across 16 acres. Covering eight city blocks, the project is bringing new energy to one of Atlanta’s oldest commercial districts through a mix of residential, office, and retail space. By June 2026, 10 new restaurants are expected to open, including a standalone El Tersoro and Delilah’s Everyday Soul. At 85 Peachtree St., the district’s first residential offering is beginning to take shape. These 26 units will operate as short-term rentals during FIFA World Cup 2026 before transitioning into traditional loft apartments. Atlanta Tech Village also joined the mix, opening its second location in the former Sylvan Hotel with flexible offices designed for startups, entrepreneurs, and growing companies.
Public spaces are receiving renewed attention. Azalea Fresh Market, recently opened in the historic Olympia Building near the Five Points MARTA station, provides a full grocery store and fresh food option for downtown residents, students, and workers. A few blocks away, the planned GSU Blueline will create a 3.7-mile pedestrian connection through Georgia State University’s campus, linking housing, classrooms, and green spaces with surrounding amenities.
A wave of infrastructure investment is supporting this growth. In partnership with the Atlanta Department of Transportation, the Atlanta City Council has committed $6 million to repave key corridors from Ralph McGill Boulevard to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. As of September 2025, 4.36 miles of downtown streets have been resurfaced, with extensive sidewalk and traffic signals improvements set to be complete this year. These upgrades will improve safety, walkability, and access across downtown.
These coordinated efforts are redefining what it means to live, work, and invest in Downtown Atlanta. With strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and billions of dollars driving progress, the district is emerging as a national model for inclusive urban revitalization and long-term economic growth.
