In a move that’s being called a “transformative step forward” for an iconic but long-dormant piece of Atlanta’s architectural history, Atlanta Housing has struck a formal deal with developers to finally start converting a section of the Atlanta Civic Center into more active uses officials say will boost the neighborhood.
Atlanta Housing’s Board of Commissioners on Wednesday entered a Master Development Agreement, or MDA, with an LLC called Atlanta Civic Center Partners to redevelop 4.36 acres of Performing Arts Center structures and plaza space where Old Fourth Ward meets downtown.
Permitting documents were also filed with the city’s Office of Buildings this week for work at the Civic Center’s 395 Piedmont Avenue property. Those plans—filed with the Concept Review Committee, a program that allows developers to meet with city staff prior to submitting plans—identify the scope of the project only as “redevelopment of Civic Center phase 1.”
Renovating the historic PAC would mark the first step in a much larger redevelopment of the full property across nearly 19 acres, where a wave of housing and other uses is expected to be built in coming years.
The breakdown of expected Civic Center uses, as seen looking southwest, into the heart of downtown Atlanta. Atlanta Housing
Last year, Atlanta Housing picked national developers The Republic Family of Companies (Washington D.C.-based) and The Michaels Organization (New Jersey-based), alongside Atlanta-based, minority-owned development firm Sophy Capital for the Civic Center redevelopment.
It marked the third time a development team has stepped up to tackle the job since the lights went out at the Civic Center nine long years ago.
The development team, known collectively as CCP, presented plans for the Civic Center’s PAC section that jibed with Atlanta Housing’s goal to “transform the site into a culturally inclusive destination, bringing together arts,…
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