Images: Multi-block South Downtown streetscape overhaul in works

Significant, pre-World Cup changes to South Downtown blocks could extend beyond glittery new buildings and historic rehabs soon. 

According to Invest Atlanta, an initiative called the Historic Broad Streetscape project is in the works that would reimagine three city blocks of South Broad Street, stretching for about 3,000 linear feet between two MARTA hubs. 

Plans generally call for an “active, safe, and inviting public realm” with fresh landscaping, bicycle infrastructure, elements that can be customized to suit large gatherings, and other features between MARTA’s Five Points station and Garnett station plaza. 

The goal is to develop a “cohesive public realm” along all South Broad Street blocks in question, according to a recent Invest Atlanta project summary. 

The Atlanta Downtown Improvement District initiative is expected to cost roughly $6 million. Invest Atlanta is considering authorizing an Eastside Tax Allocation District grant of up to $3 million to help finance the work. 

The infrastructure project is estimated to take six months to complete. According to Invest Atlanta, work would begin sometime this fall. 

At the south end of the project’s scope, Garnett Plaza upgrades would include new seating areas, custom paving patterns, and landscaping designed to integrate with MARTA’s transit infrastructure. 

Pedestrian and bicycling enhancements would include ADA-compliant sidewalk adjustments and curb ramps, dedicated bike parking, new bike intersection markings to boost connectivity, and installation of rectangular rapid flashing beacons, or RRFBs, at high-traffic intersections, per Invest Atlanta.

Moveable planters included in the project scope would allow for occasional street closures for events and festivals. 

Other elements would include street furniture, new sidewalk paving patterns and curb alignments, more streetlights, additional trees, and planting beds and bioswales to improve drainage and cut back on runoff, according to the recap. 

Along the South Broad Street route, development currently underway includes 100,000 square feet of new office and retail spaces, 30 residential units, and a 1-acre park near the intersection of Broad and Mitchell streets. Restaurants El Tesoro and Broad Street BBQ plan to open alongside that town square-style greenspace prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta, which begins next June. 

If executed as planned, the Historic Broad Streetscape project will create an “activity center supportive of community activities and large-scale events, driving business revenues and opportunities for small local businesses,” per the summary. 

Sound like a plan?  

...

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)