FOREWORD
Cities are full of interesting, impactful and critical projects; however, few are truly transformative. This is due in part to complicated land ownership, political realities, infrastructure challenges, funding constraints and lack of vision. It is difficult at best to move beyond the current reality to see over these hurdles and imagine a bold new future. The Stitch represents just such an opportunity. It is an idea complete with the standard challenges facing big urban projects. It is a big idea with the potential to truly transform, reconnect and even heal Atlanta’s Central Business District. It is an opportunity to fill the void between Downtown and Midtown that has existed since the Connector was first constructed in the 1960s and, in doing so, create a vibrant new urban neighborhood surrounding meaningful public open space with a direct connection to transit. Unlike examples in cities around the country, The Stitch is not a park project. It is a redevelopment project focused on leveraging air rights over the interstate to foster investment, encourage development and increase real estate value. Parks, open space and great streets are only part of the story. Making this idea a reality will take vision, commitment and a belief that Atlanta deserves a great urban future. The following pages paint a picture of what is possible and outline the magnitude of impact that is possible when current thinking is suspended, the hurdle of the interstate is overcome, and bold steps are taken.
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