Renderings of the new Underground Atlanta released

The transformation continues to Atlanta's historic Underground Atlanta.

WRS, Inc., the owners and master developers of the Underground, released new renderings of Block 3 of the 4 block area showing what will be more than 150k square feet of retail, office and communal areas on Block 3 of the project.

"It is important for us to modernize this footprint while restoring and keeping as much of the charm as we can of this iconic area," explained Scott Smith, CEO of WRS, Inc. "We are investing a great deal in the structural safety of Block 3 while upgrading systems including all new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. We are working to bring everything to current code including new windows, lighting and new water quality measures for future tenants and patrons."

Kenny's Alley/Underground Atlanta mall is located at the Southwest corner of Central and Alabama Street. WRS Inc. hired S9 Architecture to make the improvements which include:

• The removal of the former Underground Atlanta food court along Central Avenue. This will open up the alley level to the street as shown in the above rendering.
• WRS is opening up the "Exchange" building to Upper Alabama to provide more of an open-air connected corridor between Kenny's Alley and Upper Alabama.
• Replacement of all retail windows with modern/industrial office storefronts that will be customized based on tenant size.
• Repair of the c 1882 Block Candy Co building at 86 Pryor, and replacement of its 1980's storm windows with historically-accurate and energy efficient ones.
• Removal of 1980's "mall" touches like escalators and miscellaneous metal screening.
• Repair and repaint all facades, with addition(s) of street art and murals throughout.
• Reworking interior access so that it functions more like an office / workshop space rather than a circuitous mall.

"Underground Atlanta is the historic location of the city's founding. At S9 Architecture, we are excited to be a part of its transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood in the increasingly dynamic downtown area. Our design emphasizes the intangible yet important qualities of how people perceive and use space, and we hope this holistic approach will make the new Underground Atlanta project a memorable experience for residents and visitors alike," shared John Clifford, co-founding partner of S9 Architecture.

Block 3 is also the permanent home of The Masquerade, who recently finished cosmetic renovations.

Construction on Block 3 began in January, four months ahead of schedule, and will be complete by Spring 2019.