Atlanta Downtown Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration, February 2023

Publication

Atlanta Intown A

Leading Downtown’s Rediscovery

Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District are forging ahead, advancing several major projects and initiatives that are transforming Atlanta’s center city.

Over the course of 80+ years, CAP has worked behind the scenes, integrating ideas, building partnerships, and coordinating efforts to continually grow the economic prosperity, elevate the quality of life and improve the image of Downtown Atlanta for businesses and the broader community.

Initially focused on civic leadership, CAP’s scope of work first expanded to include planning, then cleanliness and safety efforts with the creation of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District in 1995. In the early 2000s, transportation, capital projects, public space management, economic development and sustainability work were added. Rounding out the list are a reinvigorated commitment to placemaking and unsheltered outreach efforts.

Guided by a comprehensive master plan, CAP and ADID work together under the Atlanta Downtown brand to envision and realize an urban core that meets the needs of residents, students, and visitors alike.

Lunch on the Broad Street Boardwalk

New Challenges, New Solutions

CAP/ADID rolls up its sleeves to tackle new projects

THE RIALTO’S

A CuRATED jOuRNEy THROuGH THE ARTS, mOVES INTO wINTER wITH STELLAR PERFORmANCES

SuN, FEB 5, 2023 // 3pm

mARTHA GRAHAm

DANCE COmPANy DANCE IN THE SPIRIT OF mARTHA GRAHAm

Internationally acclaimed martha Graham Dance Company returns to Atlanta after 84 years, showcasing formative dance masterpieces by the legendary martha Graham and newly commissioned works by contemporary artists in the spirit of martha Graham.

SAT, FEB 11, 2023 // 8pm

mAVIS STAPLES

wITH OPENING ACT

LAmONT LANDERS BAND THE SPIRIT OF GOSPEL, BLuES AND SOuTHERN SOuL

Over the next year, CAP and ADID will keep a pulse on topics that will affect the community and continue to build big ideas like Arts & Entertainment Atlanta and the advancement of The Stitch, while staying committed to the day-to-day details that affect us here and now. Here’s a quick look at a few notable projects and initiatives that are underway.

The Stitch

WHAT IT IS: The Stitch is a transformational civic infrastructure investment that will reconnect Downtown and Midtown Atlanta. Once complete, this “highway cap” will create approximately 14 acres of urban greenspace and transportation enhancements atop a new, 3⁄4-mile platform spanning the Downtown Connector between Ted Turner Drive and Piedmont Avenue. The aim of this monumental project is to advance the equitable revitalization of north Downtown through enhanced access to affordable housing, low-cost transportation, jobs, and community resources.

WHY IT MATTERS: As a catalyst for new development, The Stitch will create public gathering places for the community to come together and thrive, and the project has the potential to provide billions of dollars in value creation and generate over $50 million in new revenue.

WHAT’S NEXT: In late 2022, the project received a $900,000 U.S. DOT RAISE grant in addition to $1.16 million in HUD Community Project funding. This funding is currently being utilized to advance the planning and design phases of the Stitch. To stay informed about project developments,

visit TheStitchAtl.com.

Arts & Entertainment Atlanta

WHAT IT IS: Established in 2017 by Atlanta City Council legislation, Arts & Entertainment Atlanta is a neighborhood activation and economic development project that fuses new media, local art, and performance with advertising to fund cultural and public space programming. The effort self-funds its management and programming through revenue-sharing agreements with media companies within the district, including Orange Barrel Media and BIG Outdoor.

WHY IT MATTERS: Each year, A&E Atlanta gives grants and funds digital exhibitions to support creative work in the Downtown community. To date, the program has given over 100 artists and organizations a total of $840,000 in funding.

WHAT’S NEXT: From public installations and education to performances and films, Downtown’s burgeoning arts community is poised for its most high-profile year yet. Be on the lookout for more signs, more public art, and more arts and cultural programming. Visit aeatlanta.com to learn more.

Downtown Investment

WHAT IT IS: Thanks to unparalleled access to stakeholders and their data, CAP/ ADID monitors and tracks the economic development of Downtown Atlanta with the goal of attracting new businesses, residential projects, and major events.

FREE (VALIDATED) PARKING AT THE 100 PEACHTREE PARKING GARAGE

we are proud to present the legendary, multi-Grammy-winning Gospel, Blues, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer mavis Staples. Plus—we are presenting an opening act for the headliner—featuring the powerful southern soul of the phenomenal Lamont Landers Band. Let us “…Take you There!”

SAT, mAR 4, 2023 // 8pm

jOHNNy mERCER TRIBuTE FEATuRING jOE GRANSDEN AND SPECIAL GuEST ROBIN LATImORE wITH THE GSu jAZZ BAND CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF jOHNNy mERCER Trumpet virtuoso joe Gransden teams up with special guest vocalist Robin Latimore and the GSu jazz Band, to celebrate the spirit of Savannah-born, Oscar-winning Georgia composer of 1,400+ songs, johnny mercer.

SAT, mAR 4, 2023 // 8pm

jAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

PRESENTS SONGS WE LOVE A jOuRNEy THROuGH THE HISTORy AND SPIRIT OF jAZZ Embark on a journey through the history and spirit of jazz with New york’s rising all-star band discovered by wynton marsalis, with musical direction by Riley mulherkar

WHY IT MATTERS:

Atlanta’s city center is one of the most authentic urban environments in the Southeast. Bustling with activity, it boasts walkable streets, historic structures, unmatched connectivity, and prime access to talent. Plus, with big projects like South Downtown and Centennial Yards gaining major attention in Atlanta and beyond, Downtown is poised for a new era of growth and economic prosperity.

WHAT’S NEXT: The dynamic range of projects in various stages of development is a testament to the city’s role as a cultural and economic engine. Microbusinesses in kiosks around Woodruff Park, two new breweries, and the recent opening of the Atlanta Comedy Theater in Underground Atlanta are just a few of the most recent newcomers to Downtown. Looking ahead, there are plans to add 5,550 housing units to the community in the next five years—a 146% increase from the previous five years.

Stay up to date on Downtown investment activity by visiting AtlantaDowntown.com/Invest.

Placemaking and Public Programming

WHAT IT IS: CAP and ADID activate and enliven public spaces through placemaking

events and programs. Ranging from holiday lights to lunchtime concerts and pop-up performances, CAP supports and develops engaging programming to highlight Downtown’s unique character and to add joy and interest to our public spaces.

WHY IT MATTERS: Many of the placemaking activities focus on the Broad Street Boardwalk and Woodruff Park, but the program is actively expanding. Past examples of placemaking programming include yoga, PRISM and the Woodruff Park game cart.

GSU President Brian Blake and CAP President A.J. Robinson enjoying the Broad Street Boardwalk

Arts & Entertainment Atlanta

WHAT’S NEXT: Experience the brandnew Light + Sound Station in Woodruff Park, an interactive winter light display installed at the gazebo on the south end of the park. Use your voice, stomp your feet, or clap your hands to make the lights dance and flicker!

Join the Rediscovery

As the CAP/ADID team works to move the needle on projects both big and small, they welcome you to follow their progress. Stay up to date on all the projects above— plus many other initiatives—by visiting AtlantaDowntown.com, signing up for their newsletters, and following their social media channels.

Community engagement helps to shape Downtown’s placemaking strategy

Honoring Changemakers

CAP/ADID Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration is Feb.

14

CAP & ADID are hosting their Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on February 14th at the Georgia Aquarium. Tickets are available at AtlantaDowntown.com/AnnualMeeting2023.

As a recognition of the collaborative nature of their work, CAP/ADID created the Dan & Tally Sweat Award to honor changemakers that have gone above and beyond the scope of their positions in the community. Two more awards were created soon after to spotlight remarkable leadership and economic impact in Downtown Atlanta.

It’s of critical importance to honor those who are doing the work, who undoubtedly love the work, and who exemplify civic pride and enthusiasm. Ultimately, people like the award winners are the key to unlocking Atlanta’s potential.

In the words of ADID/CAP President A.J. Robinson, “I firmly believe that’s what sets Downtown apart. We can be huge in scale, with towering skyscrapers, stadiums, and enormous mixed-use complexes, but at the proverbial end of the day, it’s all about the people.”

Dan & Tally Sweat Award: Designed to honor former CAP President Dan Sweat’s legacy and accomplishments, this award was renamed in 2020 to also acknowledge the accomplishments of Tally Sweat, and is given to those who have become quiet, effective leaders beyond the scope of their positions in the community. Each year, CAP selects an individual who, like the Sweats, demonstrates true leadership and advocates for “doing the right thing” for Downtown.

Arthur Blank is co-founder of The Home Depot, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and PGA Tour Superstores, and head of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Yet Blank’s influence goes beyond these already large, recognizable organizations; through the AMB Family Foundation, Blank has also made his name synonymous with giving and bettering his community. Among these include significant support for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, establishing the Arthur Blank Family YMCA, and generous donations to the Westside Future Fund and Children’s

Healthcare of Atlanta. Warner Bros. Discovery Community Leadership Award: This award, established in 2003, was designed to recognize those in the community who, as individual private citizens, step forward and do good work on Downtown’s behalf. Recipients of this award are rarely acknowledged in the corporate and organizational leadership world.

Sally Flocks founded the volunteerrun nonprofit Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS) in 1996. The scope of PEDS quickly expanded from simply educating drivers to going to the source of many of the issues: the way the roads are built. It was not only drivers needing education but also city planners and engineers. Flocks became what she calls “a self-trained engineer or planner,” organizing training workshops for transportation professionals through PEDS.

Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award: Created in 2008 and renamed

in 2016 to honor Bernie Marcus for his contributions to Downtown, the Marcus Downtown Economic Impact Award recognizes an individual, company, or project that has stimulated revitalization efforts that strengthen and advance Downtown at large.

The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs is a business generator organization, focusing on providing Black-owned businesses with the support to succeed and grow. In their new facility, RICE offers meeting, office, and innovation spaces, as well as opportunities for education, networking, and mentoring. Their goal is to develop Black entrepreneurs and create a strong, supportive business community anchored in Downtown.

Arthur Blank

Sally Flocks

Grady’s Correll Pavilion will soon be open for business - expanding access to healthcare for all who need it and making our roots in the community stronger than ever.

The Correll Pavilion will not only enhance our ability to provide exceptional care for our patients, but it will also stand as a symbol of what can be achieved when we work together to advance healthcare for the entire community, city, and state.

The new state-of-the-art building will house numerous outpatient centers, including cancer, orthopedics, and ophthalmology, as well as outpatient surgery and rehabilitation services. More operating rooms mean more surgeries, so you’ll never have to wait for life-changing procedures that could drastically improve your health.

Since 1892, Grady has served Atlanta. And we’re not going anywhere. In fact, we are getting bigger and better.