Maybe it’s not the sexiest-sounding project, but the team behind a forthcoming Georgia State University parking deck overhaul says it’s going to make a difference downtown, in terms of vibrancy and functionality.
Situated a half-block east of Woodruff Park, GSU’s T Deck and 58 Edgewood Ave. building are in design and permitting stages for façade improvements. The university considers the project a key component of its College Town Downtown initiative, an effort to remake GSU’s downtown campus into a true transit-connected, walkable college town.
The parking-deck project is also immediately east of GSU’s elegantly restored new Student Success Center opened last year in the former Bell Buildings, which were constructed in 1907 and 1922 to serve as the switchboard center for the company that would become AT&T.
According to Cooper Tacia General Contractors, which is teaming with Atlanta-based Praxis3 architects on the T Deck project, the goal is to address one of GSU’s most pressing issues—parking, for cars and beyond.
The entrance to Georgia State University’s 58 Edgewood & T Deck building (at left) near the Bell Buildings and Woodruff Park, as seen in March 2025. Google Maps
The T Deck's location near Woodruff Park in GSU's downtown campus. Georgia State University
The seven-story deck counts 1,425 parking spaces for GSU students, faculty, staff, and visitors, situated about two blocks from GSU’s main campus area.
The renovation will go beyond parking. According to Cooper Tacia reps, plans call for adding space for bicycle storage (30 bikes) and for GSU police and security, along with upgraded stairwells with natural light.
Designs calls for the deck becoming more of a campus hub, too, with a new video board designed for student engagement, events, and advertising.
On the façade, a new exterior fin system will form GSU’s flame logo in waves of Panther blue (in line with the GSU Blue Line branding) for a more dynamic presence on the street, according to project leaders.
Looking east across the Bell Buildings' construction and the parking deck in question in early 2025. Google Maps
The backside of the T Deck structure along Edgewood Avenue and the Atlanta Streetcar line. Google Maps
“Parking in this part of downtown isn’t easy, especially for GSU students,” reads a statement provided to Urbanize Atlanta. “Projects like this play a key role in keeping the city and campus moving.”
We’ve asked the general contractor company for project renderings and a more specific ETA and will update this story with any additional info that comes.
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