Atlantic Station today is kicking off a major transformation of its central park that will double the size of the gathering space, add a signature fountain, and bring new restaurants and shops.
Atlanta-based landscape architecture firm HGOR is leading the design.
The development’s central park today is square-shaped and flanked by large former restaurants. A demolition event set for Tuesday will begin to change that.
“We challenged our team and partners to think outside the box and create the best public space in Midtown; something that supports the continued modernization of Atlantic Station and will enhance the overall user experience,” Nick Garzia, director of retail leasing for Hines, said in an announcement.
Garzia added, “Both office and retail tenants are demanding better public spaces. To better compete for the ever-scarcer retail dollars, the park needed to grow up and better reflect its evolving context.”
Commercial real estate developer Hines and its capital partner, a real estate affiliate of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), three years bought the more than 500,000-square-foot town center (the retail heart of the Midtown project), along with future development sites.
Now, Atlantic Station is the middle of a half-billion redevelopment and expansion. That includes new shops and restaurants, two new office buildings, hotel projects and an apartment building.
The park project is set to open in fall 2019.
The greenspace will become oval-shaped, featuring a curved canopy and a signature water fountain. A large LED television screen will be installed to broadcast live events and social media alerts.
HOBNOB Southern Tavern will anchor the north end of the park, featuring an airy design and an upper-level patio.
The south end of the park will feature 6,000 square feet of shops and restaurants in three jewel box buildings.
Atlantic Station’s East and West District avenues will close to vehicular traffic, creating a pedestrian-only area.
“We continue to see the growing trend of enhancing the human experience within spaces and I believe the redevelopment of Atlantic Station will be a prime example of how a community can use creativity to be authentic and energized,” said Lauren Standish, principal at HGOR.
HGOR has completed projects at Atlanta landmarks such as The Battery at SunTrust Park, Coca-Cola headquarters, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Courtsey of: Amy Wenk – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle and The Atlanta Buisness Chronicle