ATLANTA — For years, parts of Atlanta’s downtown business district have been underutilized and abandoned, but this week, news of a new development is being shared.
Most people know South Downtown Atlanta, where several blocks of historic buildings sit vacant. Now, Atlanta Ventures has announced its plans to transform those buildings.
The new development includes a 10-block area between Decatur Street and Memorial Drive.
The 53 parcels, collectively known as the South Downtown development, were previously owned by a German firm but fell into foreclosure.
Melvin Coleman, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Black Chambers, said this project is good for the city.
“Business growth and development is always good because it does create new opportunities. So we’re excited to see what this is going to do. The city needs to move forward in this new millennium," Coleman said.
Atlanta Ventures, a partnership between Jon Birdsong and David Cummings, made the announcement about the project earlier this week.
Coleman said he hopes marginalized communities will be considered.
“We want to see initiatives, resources and programs that are going to produce Black tech ownership as Atlanta moves forward and continues to be seen as a Black tech hub," Coleman said.
Atlanta Ventures posted a release on its website about the planned development but hasn't shared exact details. However, developers shared they’d like to make significant progress by the time the World Cup comes to the city in 2026.