New park in middle of Midtown on verge of opening, sets first events

The Midtown Green project’s transition from an unsightly hole in the ground to a hub of communal activity is almost finished.

According to Midtown Alliance, fences are set to come down around the 4-acre interim park at 98 14th St. in early September. That will open up a large, versatile new greenspace in the center of one of Atlanta’s densest districts, where a slate of free outdoor fitness classes, artisan and seasonal markets, food truck gatherings, and other programming and events in now scheduled, beginning Thursday.

Midtown Green—that’s a working title for the interim park that could change—required nearly 800 dump-truck loads of dirt to fill a gash in the city where lavish skyscraper No2 Opus Place never took off. Today it includes an irrigation system and mix of Bermuda sod and grass/wildflowers, lawn games, picnic tables, food truck parking, portable restrooms, a large 2-D “MIDTOWN” letters installation, and other facets.

The Midtown Improvement District announced the park project in early 2025 and purchased the foreclosed acreage for $46 million in May last year. Global architecture firm Field Operations was announced as project designer in November, and long-term plans call for a much more elaborate “cultural and civic destination … without walls,” pending finalized designs and fundraising.

But first things first.

Scheduled events at Midtown Green are set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with a free, one-hour Moves on the Green outdoor fitness class, which will continue each Thursday evening through September and October, per Midtown Alliance.

As seen in 2025, the "before" state of Midtown Green's acreage prior to infill and stabilization work. Courtesy of Midtown Alliance

Where food truck parking has been installed, along with concrete for supporting “MIDTOWN” letters on the greenspace’s northern section.Courtesy of Midtown Alliance

September will feature Pilates led by JetSet Pilates instructors, while Cardio Dance classes by veteran fitness instructor Dawn Peck will start shaking in October. Organizers say all fitness levels are welcome, and guests can attend solo or with a friend. Note that registration is required.

A week later, on Sept. 10, a twice-monthly, lunch-break gathering series called Lunch on the Green is scheduled to begin.

During four Thursdays in September and October between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., expect rotating food trucks and other local vendors, live music, lawn games, and informal gatherings for what’s described as “the perfect midday escape.”

Lastly, starting on Sunday, Sept. 13 (noon to 6 p.m.), a Midtown Artisan Markets at Midtown Green series will kick off, with plans for one per month through Dec. 13.

Expect a bounty of creative offerings from Atlanta small businesses, makers, and local artisans, along with food and family-friendly activity options.

“Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind find,” reads a promo, “getting an early start on holiday shopping, spending the afternoon with family and friends, or simply looking for something fun to do in Midtown, there will be plenty to discover.”

To access all of the above, bike parking will be available onsite, while Midtown Green is also one block south of MARTA’s Arts Center station. Midtown Alliance notes the best bet for self-paid parking is at the Promenade deck, accessible from both 14th and 15th streets.

Plans for a Midtown Green entry along 14th Street, with a programable video wall at right for art and announcements. (Artwork: Jasmine Nicole Williams, "On the Strip," Atlanta.) Field Operations for Midtown Alliance