In recent months, the long-neglected blocks just south of the Five Points MARTA station in Atlanta have begun to emerge from their ghost-town past, paving the way for a revitalization that promises to change the neighborhood’s landscape dramatically.
Once characterized by decay and disrepair, this area is now echoing with the sounds of construction and a sense of optimism among developers and entrepreneurs invested in South Downtown’s renewal.
New life has sprung up as cranes and hard hats dominate the skyline, signaling a transition poised to capture the spirit of a community that has remained dormant for decades.
The challenge is not just about capitalizing on the FIFA World Cup in 2026 but about creating a vibrant district that will stand the test of time.
Jon Birdsong, the CEO of South Downtown, expresses a deep-seated belief that with the transformation underway, the area will become a desirable destination during and after the World Cup festivities.
According to Birdsong, by the time the World Cup kicks off in June, South Downtown anticipates the launch of ten new restaurants in an area that has historically seen little to no dining options.
Among these imminent openings are locales such as Delilah’s Everyday Soul and Bottle Rocket, a Japanese-American fusion restaurant, alongside the stand-alone El Tesoro featuring a patio hangout.
Beyond the food scene, Smorgasburg Atlanta—a highly regarded open-air food festival—will soon occupy a newly paved parking lot on Forsyth Street, further enhancing the neighborhood’s appeal.
Additionally, the first real residential offerings are in the works at 85 Peachtree St., a historic building dating back to 1899, Atlanta’s first department store.
Birdsong notes that while initially these 26 units may serve as short-term rentals for World Cup visitors, the conversion aims for more traditional loft apartments in the longer term.
This ambitious endeavor is not without challenges; Birdsong outlines a costly undertaking of $28 million solely for the apartment renovation, emphasizing the intricate financial landscape developers face in this rejuvenation.
Housing, Birdsong states, remains a priority as the community seeks ways to attract a diverse array of residents.
While some may ponder the efficiency of building new structures on the extensive parking lots in the South Downtown portfolio, Kevin Murphy, South Downtown’s head of development, argues against such an approach.
Murphy highlights that constructing new buildings amidst a backdrop of empty and dark historical structures would be less appealing to potential residents.
Instead, he believes that restoring the existing buildings will invigorate the area’s character and provide unique spaces that rest on the individuality of the neighborhood.
A tour conducted on July 31 served as a window into the ongoing transformations, showcasing key aspects of South Downtown’s development efforts.
Project Elle emerged as a focal point of this construction tour—a sprawling initiative enveloping more than 25 buildings adjacent to both Ted Turner Drive/Mitchell Street and Broad Street.
Murphy notes the bustling activity on Broad Street, where a city-led streetscape project aims to improve the area in time for the World Cup.
Among the completed projects is Atlanta Tech Village-Sylvan on Hotel Row, where fresh retail ventures like Spiller Park coffee and Crates ATL record store have already opened.
Despite the ongoing work, Historic Hotel Scoville stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s past; however, the cost to restore it has recently been evaluated at $14 million, a figure that may deter progress temporarily.
Just east of Hotel Row, the repaved lot at 140 Forsyth St. is set to become a lively weekend space featuring Smorgasburg and a beer garden, paired with future housing developments.
Murphy elaborates, stating that these initiatives are designed to activate the neighborhood, drawing people in while long-term planning develops.
The convergence of construction activity, including MARTA’s first bus-rapid transit line and restoration work, illustrates the momentum building in South Downtown.
One of the oldest buildings in South Downtown, at 185 Mitchell St., is undergoing a significant transformation into two apartments with mixed-use spaces at street level—a perfect blend of residential and retail that reflects the neighborhood’s vision.
The anticipated standalone El Tesoro on Mitchell Street has already been granted construction permits, showing continued investor confidence in the area.
As the community looks toward the future, the promise of diverse new office spaces and evolving retail opportunities paints a bright picture for South Downtown.
Murphy notes that approximately a dozen retail spaces in the area are already signed up, with additional opportunities for unique local businesses to claim their stake.
The M. Rich Building at 82 Peachtree St. recently received a new roof as part of ongoing preparations for 63 residential units, promising to continue the historical revival.
Nearby, at 85 Peachtree St., developers are busy converting the ground floor into a substantial retail space, envisioning it as a hub for dining and culture.
This robust transformation across South Downtown comes with significant challenges; the buildings themselves often reveal decades of wear and tear that complicate restoration efforts.
As construction progresses, crews are tasked with extensive brickwork and restoration—an arduous process that reflects the commitment to preserving the area’s history.
With the anticipation of unique lofts and open spaces, Birdsong remains confident that the distinct offerings will appeal to those seeking urban living.
As the tour concluded back at Hotel Row, the atmosphere shifted with the introduction of new lighting, transforming the character of the area into a vibrant nighttime destination.
Murphy encapsulates the vision for South Downtown succinctly: making the necessary early investments to forge a neighborhood where people desire to gather and thrive.
This transformation is more than just a response to an event—it’s about creating a lasting community that resonates with both the old and the new, offering a dynamic urban experience in the heart of Atlanta.
image source from：atlanta
