Highlights from 7th Annual Downtown Development Day

Things are looking good for Atlanta real estate in regards to intown developments. There are many projects scheduled for the coming years, from an enhanced MARTA station to a Methodist center, as well as many completed projects – all of which were covered at the recent Downtown Development Day. Here are some highlights from the 7th annual event:

Georgia State University President Dr. Mark Becker served as the keynote speaker before more than 500 people during the 7th annual event, hosted by Central Atlanta Progress in partnership with CREW Atlanta.

Central Atlanta Progress reported during the meeting that 9 out of 10 projects cited for redevelopment in 2003 are now complete, and the organization has created a new list of opportunities for redevelopment.

The new list for redevelopment contains the Atlanta Constitution building, the Medical Arts Building (a carryover from the previous list), Palms Hotel/Thrifty Car Rental, Top of MARTA 5 Points Station, 222 Mitchell, Methodist Center, Rufus Forse House, Wheat Street Gardens site, former Norfolk Southern headquarters and the Gulch area near CNN Center.

This list starts a conversation with the current owners of each property and other Downtown stakeholders about options for revitalization. Even with some existing development on hold, an open dialogue on these projects will work to constructively expedite future efforts towards growth and renewal.

Winners in the 4th Annual Atlanta Downtown Design Excellence Award were recognized for design innovation across five different categories. The five winners were chosen from 21 entries, including:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Building designed by Lord, Aeck & Sargent for the General Service Administration (community)
• The Ritz Carlton Atlanta designed by the Johnson Studio and Looney & Associates (hotel )
• The Jones Group designed by CG Creative Interiors (office)
• W Atlanta Downtown Residences with architecture by Pickard Chilton and interiors by BurdiFliek (residential)
• 30 Tables, a Concentrics Group restaurant owned by Legacy Property Group and designed by ASD, Inc. (restaurant/bar)

Breakout sessions held during the event brought out various perspectives regarding infrastructure improvements in Downtown, the outlook on real estate financing and the prospects for economic growth and development, particularly with a new mayor headed to office in 2010.