Landmark Atlanta tower plans new 'front porch' in advance of World Cup

One of the tallest and most distinctive buildings on Atlanta’s skyline could see significant changes both inside and out soon. 

Banyan Street Capital today announced a $4.5-million upgrade for downtown’s 50-story 191 Peachtree tower that designers say will soon create a new “front porch” for the landmark building, blending modern and timeless aesthetics. 

Meanwhile, for the first time in the tower’s three-decade history, the owners are offering the possibility of placing signage atop the building for the right tenant.  

The changes are being made in advance of Atlanta’s month of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, which kick off a year from now, as post-pandemic interest in amenitized office space continues to show positive momentum, according to Banyan officials.  

Renovation plans call for upgrading 191 Peachtree’s seven-story atrium lobby and dining spaces—while keeping original architectural features in place from Philip Johnson/Burgee Architects, such as the Rosa Dante granite and tinted glass—to more fully integrate public spaces with the building’s food and beverage offerings and Ritz-Carlton hotel.  

Above that, on the 22nd floor, Banyan plans to build five new spec office suites totaling 24,337 square feet. Oaktree Capital Management is a capital partner in both aspects of the renovation. 

191 Peachtree’s grand lobby will see reimagined gathering areas, with a new bar patio for fine-dining Mexican restaurant Alma Cocina. Entrances into the restaurant and hotel will be overhauled, while a facelift is also in store for the lobby’s coffee bar, Land of a Thousand Hills.  

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this summer and wrap next spring, according to project reps. A longtime building tenant, Cooper Carry’s The Johnson Studio, is leading lobby and dining space designs. 

Finished in 1992 at 770 feet tall, 191 Peachtree stands as the fourth tallest building in Atlanta today. 

Banyan’s spec suite program—which has delivered nearly 75,000 square feet and leasing successes at 191 Peachtree in recent years—will bring to market a large block of space near the building’s double-crown top soon. That would allow a “large user” to top the building with signage or rename it for the first time ever, according to Banyan officials. 

Other notable Atlanta high-rises—including Midtown’s 1180 Peachtree building and the former SunTrust Plaza building downtown, the city’s second tallest—have added tenant branding near their distinctive top floors over the past few years. 

Today the 191 Peachtree tower is home to major Atlanta companies and agencies such as The Woodruff Foundation, Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Grady Foundation, along with dozens of law firms, nonprofits, and community foundations. Investments in the building are meant to continue momentum from sporting events like the World Cup and other major projects nearby, such as Centennial Yards, according to officials. 

“While it’s no secret [downtown] has faced some recent challenges, we believe the pendulum is swinging back, and we want to ensure this incredible asset remains the most accessible luxury office experience in Atlanta,” Zac Gruber, Banyan’s president of the office division, said in today’s announcement. 

“The data shows positive tailwinds in the leasing market,” Gruber continued. “[T]ours are up, proposal activity is picking up, and there is renewed interest in downtown from tenants seeking trophy space, as the availability of new trophy product leases up and tenants look to upgrade to higher quality space.” 

CBRE has been hired to oversee 191 Peachtree leasing efforts. 

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