-
Atlanta, GA – May 17, 2026 – Atlanta’s high-end scene just got a major upgrade. Select, a leading digital private membership community and concierge service, has officially expanded to the Atlanta metro area, offering residents access to VIP perks, insider pricing, and bespoke experiences at top venues and brands worldwide.
Since launching in 2015, Select has built a selective community of members who enjoy benefits that go beyond traditional high-end credit cards or luxury concierges.
Select Concierge Service Launches in Atlanta
The service boasts partnerships at over 1.5 million locations globally, delivering everything from significant dining discounts to luxury hotel upgrades.“Atlanta has shown strong demand for Select, and we’re excited to deepen our presence here,” said Carlo Cisco, Founder and CEO. “We’ve been adding dining benefits to meet member needs, but our focus now is building a vibrant local community.”
What Atlanta Members Can Expect
Local members gain immediate access to exclusive deals at popular Atlanta spots, including:
- Capital Grille
- STK
- Tiny Lou’s
- Storico Fresco
- Steak Market
Benefits also extend to Atlanta sports teams like the Hawks and Falcons, plus a range of hotels and local activities. Dining perks include 15-30% discounts and complimentary drinks or appetizers at top restaurants.
Travelers will appreciate unpublished rates of up to 60% off at hundreds of thousands of hotels and resorts, along with VIP status and amenities at brands such as Four Seasons, Rosewood, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Hilton, and Auberge. Lifestyle and retail partners include BMW, Mercedes, Ferragamo, Tumi, Brooks Brothers, and more.
Select members also enjoy priority concierge support through live chat with an in-house team of experienced professionals (many formerly with Quintessentially and Four Seasons). The team handles reservations, recommendations, and custom experiences.Exclusive Events and Community BuildingBeyond everyday perks, Select hosts members-only events like speaker series, cocktail hours, and gallery openings. Past highlights include VIP access with artists such as Doja Cat and Steve Aoki, plus major happenings at New York Fashion Week, the Masters, Miami Art Week, F1 races, the US Open, and award shows.
The company plans to roll out dedicated Atlanta-area events in the coming months while keeping members connected to national and international programming.How to JoinProspective members go through a competitive application process. Select looks for a diverse community — from young professionals to executives, athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs — rather than focusing solely on income. Accepted members receive a personalized titanium card and full app/website access.
Annual membership is $495. Atlanta-area residents can currently apply at a preferred rate for a limited time.
For more information or to apply, visit meetselect.com/invitation/atlanta.This expansion positions Atlanta alongside other key markets in Select’s growing national footprint, giving locals a powerful new tool for unlocking premium experiences in their city and beyond.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
In the heart of Hapeville, Georgia, a small diner that started with just a handful of booths and a big dream is marking a major milestone.
Hapeville Dwarf House Turns 80
Today, The Original Chick-fil-A Dwarf House turns 80, standing as the undeniable birthplace of one of America’s most beloved fast-food empires.
Humble Beginnings in 1946
S. Truett Cathy, along with his brother Ben, opened the Dwarf Grill (later renamed the Dwarf House) in 1946. The tiny 24-hour eatery occupied a converted house at 461 N Central Ave in Hapeville, just outside Atlanta. Named for its modest size—originally around 512 square feet with only four booths and 10 counter stools—it quickly became a local favorite for classic diner fare like burgers and steaks.
Truett Cathy’s passion for innovation shone through in that small kitchen. He experimented tirelessly with recipes, testing new ideas on loyal customers. His most famous creation—the boneless chicken sandwich seasoned to perfection, served on a buttered bun with two dill pickles—debuted in the early 1960s after years of refinement. That sandwich would later launch the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in 1967 and grow into a national phenomenon.
The original building evolved over the decades. It underwent renovations, survived a relocation of the structure behind the original site in 1967, and received a major remodel in 2022 that preserved iconic features like the little red door, dwarf mural, and original counter stools while doubling the space. Today, it serves as both a working restaurant and a living museum to Chick-fil-A’s roots.
80th Anniversary Celebration
To honor this historic milestone, the Dwarf House is throwing a family-friendly party on Friday, May 15, from 11 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided tours (subject to availability) offering a behind-the-scenes look at Chick-fil-A history.
- Live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
- A limited-time vintage menu featuring nostalgic favorites, including the Grilled Melt and Banana Pudding à la Mode.
Whether you’re craving a classic Chicken Sandwich, exploring the hidden bronze dwarfs on the property, or simply soaking in the nostalgia, this is the perfect day to experience Atlanta food history firsthand.6
📍 Location: 461 N Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354
🕰️ Hours for the event: 11 AM – 6 PMA Lasting Legacy
The Dwarf House isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a testament to Truett Cathy’s values of hard work, innovation, and community. From a tiny grill serving late-night diners to a global brand known for its chicken sandwiches and “closed on Sundays” policy, the journey started right here.
Longtime fans and first-time visitors alike will find more than great food at the Dwarf House. They’ll discover a true piece of Southern entrepreneurial spirit and the exact spot where Chick-fil-A’s iconic sandwich was born.
So mark your calendars, grab the family, and head to Hapeville. After all, as the saying goes at this landmark: “Where it all began.”
-
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund has announced its inaugural cohort of grant recipients, supporting community-based organizations that provide children with access to quality education and the transformative power of soccer.
Among the recipients is Atlanta-based Field of Dreams Academy, one of 27 grassroots organizations across ten countries selected for funding. The organizations will receive grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 to expand their programs in underserved communities.
Since its launch, the Fund has raised $30 million and is targeting a total of $100 million by the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The initiative aims to significantly expand access to education and soccer-based development programs for children around the world.
“Football has the power to unite, inspire and create lasting change, and through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund we are putting that power into action to invest in the future of children around the world,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “These organisations are doing extraordinary work, often in the most challenging environments, to ensure children have access to education and the life skills that football provides. Together with Global Citizen, we are committed to expanding this impact and helping many more children realise their potential.”
Investing in Education Through Football
Half of all funds raised by the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will support the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) program. This initiative integrates football-based activities to teach life skills, promote learning, and foster community development among young participants.
The Fund represents a major collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen, leveraging the global popularity of football to address educational gaps and empower children in vulnerable communities.
Applications for the next round of grants are now open. Organizations interested in applying can visit: globalcitizen.org/en/projects/fifa-global-citizen-education-fund/apply/
This first wave of funding marks an important step in FIFA’s broader commitment to using football as a tool for social development, with ambitions to scale impact significantly in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
-
WEST MIDTOWN — Spring in Atlanta means one thing for brunch lovers: endless mimosas under sunny skies. This weekend, Flight Club Atlanta is making the most of National Mimosa Day with bottomless bubbles, a tempting spread of bites, and its signature social darts experience.
On Saturday, May 16, the popular West Midtown venue at Star Metals is inviting guests to kick off brunch season in style. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or stepping up to the oche for a game of darts, the mimosas will keep flowing all afternoon.
Atlanta Brunch Scene Heats Up: Flight Club Atlanta To Serve Bottomless Mimosas for National Mimosa Day
Flight Club Atlanta has built a name for itself as more than just a bar — it’s a vibrant social destination where friends gather for good food, great drinks, and friendly competition. National Mimosa Day provides the perfect excuse to settle in for a relaxed yet lively afternoon.
The brunch menu features shareable favorites that pair perfectly with sparkling pours:
- Breakfast sliders
- Smoked salmon flatbread
Guests can enjoy the full spread while sipping in the sunshine or challenging friends to a few rounds of social darts. The combination of bottomless mimosas, flavorful bites, and Flight Club’s energetic yet welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for groups celebrating the occasion.
“Spring weekends call for brunch plans,” the venue noted in its announcement, “and National Mimosa Day gives us another reason to keep the glasses flowing.”
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, May 16
- Time: Brunch service with bottomless mimosas (check with venue for exact hours)
- Location: Flight Club Atlanta, Star Metals, 1055 Howell Mill Rd, Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30318
Reservations are recommended as Atlanta’s brunch crowd loves a good celebration. Whether you’re planning a laid-back girls’ day, a couples’ outing, or a group gathering with friends, Flight Club Atlanta is right on target for toasting National Mimosa Day in true Atlanta fashion.
For more information or to make reservations, visit the Flight Club Atlanta website or call the venue directly.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
-
College Park, GA — The City of College Park has released an important public update regarding the “Partake” mobile application (also known as “We Partake”) after it was recently promoted to residents in a video featuring Mayor Bianca Motley Broom.
According to the city, Partake is a private, third-party application designed to help neighbors share and borrow everyday household items such as tools, carpet cleaners, and other goods. The app markets itself as “the app for sharing life’s useful things.”
College Park Clarifies Stance on Partake App
In its statement, the City emphasized that while it supports efforts to build stronger community connections, the decision to use any private platform remains a personal choice for residents. The City clarified that it did not authorize the purchase of the app, nor is Partake an official city program or service.
Key points from the City’s update include:
- No formal contract was approved by the Mayor and City Council.
- The City did not conduct a competitive procurement process for the app.
- Any costs associated with downloading or using Partake are the sole responsibility of individual users.
- The City did not endorse the app as an official initiative.
The City expressed regret that the promotion of Partake may have caused confusion among residents and reaffirmed its commitment to using only authorized, official communication channels for public safety alerts, emergency notifications, and city services.
“Residents should be aware that any decision to download or subscribe to the Partake app is a private matter,” the statement reads. “The City remains committed to providing reliable and authorized communication tools… through our website and other established systems.”
This clarification comes as many municipalities explore ways to foster community engagement through technology, but it also highlights the importance of transparency regarding what constitutes an official city program.
AtlantaFi.com has reached out to the City of College Park and Mayor Bianca Motley Broom for additional comment and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the City directly through official channels.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
-
The peaches are back and the shade is hotter than ever. The Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 17 Episode 6, titled “Saddle Up and Settle Scores,” airs Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8/7c on Bravo (streaming next day on Peacock)
If the previous episodes of RHOA Season 17 have been any indication, this one is set to deliver nonstop tension as the ladies continue their Dallas getaway.
What to Expect in RHOA Season 17 Episode 6
The group remains in Dallas for Cynthia Bailey’s tequila brand celebration, but the luxury trip is anything but relaxing. Old wounds reopen as clashes intensify and tempers flare fast. Expect lingering beef from Episode 5’s room-assignment drama and “meatgate” fallout to boil over in major ways.
Sneak peeks tease several explosive moments:
- Drew Sidora and Shamea Morton revisit lingering tension, with Drew shutting down what she calls a “bullsh—t” apology.
- Pinky Cole addresses a wild rumor head-on.
- Personalities collide as past issues refuse to stay buried, turning what should be a celebratory trip into a powder keg of drama.
Fans can look forward to the signature RHOA mix of glam, gossip, and group confrontations—plus plenty of confessional shade that Bravo does best.
youtube.comKey Cast Members and Storylines to Watch
- Cynthia Bailey (Friend of): Hosting in Dallas but already dealing with friction over accommodations.
- Pinky Cole and Phaedra Parks: Working to resolve earlier issues, but new conflicts (including one with Angela Oakley) keep interrupting the peace.
- Drew Sidora and Shamea Morton Mwangi: Their unresolved tension takes center stage.
- Porsha Williams, K. Michelle, Kelli Ferrell, and Angela Oakley: All expected to weigh in as alliances shift and old rivalries resurface.
With newcomers K. Michelle and Pinky Cole still finding their footing alongside OGs like Porsha and Phaedra, the group dynamics are more unpredictable than ever this season.
Why RHOA Fans Can’t Miss Episode 6
Season 17 has already delivered luxury trips, surprising honesty, and budding romances (hello, Porsha’s two potential love interests). “Saddle Up and Settle Scores” promises to crank the drama dial to 11.
Whether you’re Team Drew, rooting for Pinky’s clapbacks, or just here for the Dallas shade, this episode is shaping up to be a must-watch installment of the season.
- Air Date & Time: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8/7c
- Network: Bravo
- Streaming: Next day on Peacock
Don’t forget to tune in live and join the conversation on social media using #RHOA and #RHOASeason17. The reunion is still months away, but the drama is already at an all-time high.
-
Atlanta’s museums offer world-class collections, interactive experiences, and deep dives into history, art, culture, and innovation. Whether you’re escaping the heat, exploring with family, or seeking cultural enrichment, these institutions remain must-visits. Many have refreshed exhibits, new installations, or special programming in 2026.
Here are some museums in Atlanta with great exhibits, interactive displays, and unique collections that make each one a must-see destination.
High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
A visual arts museum with an extensive collection of global art photography and contemporary exhibits.
Major exhibitions include “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” (May 15–Sept. 27), a mid-career retrospective of the Georgia native; “Isamu Noguchi: ‘I am not a designer’” design retrospective; and works by Minnie Evans, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, and more. Check for ongoing programs like Friday Jazz nights.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
This museum features programming and exhibits on natural history, including dinosaur fossils, live animals, and hands-on activities.
This iconic museum features dinosaur fossils (including a massive Giganotosaurus), Georgia’s natural history, live animals, and hands-on science exhibits. It’s a favorite for families and nature enthusiasts.
Expect refreshed programming and exhibits on the natural world—perfect for all ages.
National Centre for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
This museum highlights the American civil rights movement and human rights struggles around the world.
Located in downtown Atlanta, this powerful museum explores the American Civil Rights Movement alongside global human rights struggles through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
College Football Hall of Fame
250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Youtube.com This museum honors the history and heroes of college football with interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
Interactive and engaging, this museum celebrates college football’s history, heroes, and memorable moments with memorabilia, games, and exhibits.Great for sports fans, especially with Atlanta’s vibrant football culture.
World of Coca-Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Youtube.com This museum features exhibits on the history and culture of Coca-Cola, including a tasting room and bottling exhibit.
A fun, branded experience tracing Coca-Cola’s global history, with a tasting room, bottling exhibit, and memorabilia. It’s one of Atlanta’s most visited attractions.
The King Center
449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
This museum and cultural centre is dedicated to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., with exhibits, archives, and educational programs.
This park includes the birthplace, home, and final resting place of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached.
Dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy, this site includes his birthplace, home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and final resting place. Exhibits, archives, and educational programs highlight the Civil Rights Movement.
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
1315 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
This museum features exhibits on design, including architecture, fashion, and graphic design.
Focused on design in architecture, fashion, graphic, and industrial contexts, MODA offers rotating exhibits that showcase creativity and innovation.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Photo credit: Youtube.com This museum is designed for children to explore and learn through interactive exhibits on science, art, and culture.
Address: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United StatesDelta Flight Museum
1220 Woolman Pl, Atlanta, GA 30354
This museum showcases the history and innovations of Delta Air Lines, with exhibits on aviation technology and memorabilia.
Apex Museum
135 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
This Old Fourth Ward museum showcases the history and culture of African Americans in Georgia, with exhibits on the civil rights movement and African American entrepreneurship.
Final Word
Atlanta’s museums blend education, entertainment, and inspiration, revealing the city’s rich past and vibrant present. From art and history to science and pop culture, they offer something for every interest. Many update exhibits regularly, so check official websites for current hours, tickets, special events, and 2026 programming.
They say you can’t know your future if you don’t learn about your past. One way to do that is to explore Atlanta’s museums. But which ones should you visit?
Atlanta’s vast culture and history are revealed through the array of museums that cater to a wide range of interests, from art and science to history and civil rights.
Atlanta’s: museums are a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture as well as its communities. By seeing historical photos, artwork, and exhibits up close, visitors who travel to Atlanta can gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that have shaped one of the best cities in the Southeast.
-
The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs has revealed the official artwork for the 49th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, and it’s a vibrant, motion-filled tribute to the city’s rhythmic soul.
Created by Atlanta-based illustrator and designer George F. Baker III (known as GFB3), the piece titled Spirit of Atlanta will appear on the festival poster and commemorative T-shirts, available for sale at the event.
George F. Baker’s Spirit of Atlanta Chosen for Jazz Fest
Baker’s design bursts with golden yellow tones that draw the eye across a lively tapestry of musicians, instruments, speakers, and Atlanta cityscapes. Every character appears caught mid-motion—inviting viewers to mentally complete the swing, step, or riff.
One striking detail shows a woman treating the skyline as her drum kit, while the central figure is modeled after Atlanta creative Plewto Smith, whose boundless energy and inclusive vibe embody what makes the city special.
“I wanted to showcase the dynamic of how a combination of people, music and energy can uplift the SPIRIT of the city of Atlanta,” Baker said. “What makes Atlanta interesting is the varied tapestry of cultures that come together to create a special sauce you can’t get anywhere else!” He noted that the piece feels “pulsating with the energy of the city,” and he tied its improvisational flow directly to jazz itself: “Jazz as a whole teaches you to keep playing, and you’ll find your rhythm. A lesson I try to take into the art I create every day.”
Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, praised the work as a perfect representation of the festival’s heart: “This piece represents the heartbeat of Atlanta. It captures the spirit of the festival and the cultural legacy that makes this city a global center for music and creativity.”
The free, public Atlanta Jazz Festival returns to Piedmont Park over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25, 2026.
Founded in 1978 by Mayor Maynard Jackson as the “Atlanta Free Jazz Festival,” the event has long championed jazz as America’s original art form while ensuring broad access to world-class music and culture for residents and visitors alike.
A Tradition of Powerful Visual Storytelling
This year’s commission continues a cherished Atlanta Jazz Festival tradition: each year the Mayor’s Office selects a distinctive artist—often a local or Black artist with deep ties to the city or jazz—to create signature artwork that becomes the visual identity for posters, T-shirts, and promotional materials.
The goal is to capture not just the sound of jazz but the lived spirit of Atlanta through visual art.
Recent examples include:
- 2025 (48th Annual): Vernicia Respres’ colorful Streetlight Jazz, which spotlighted a saxophonist bathed in dramatic light to evoke the electric energy of live performances. Respres, founder of the inclusive BRUSHED art studio and gallery, has long used her work to expand access to the arts in underserved communities.
- 2024 (47th Annual): Najee Dorsey’s mixed-media collage Two Generations, showing a father and son sharing a quiet, meaningful moment. Dorsey, known for chronicling African American life in the South through nostalgic and historical scenes, described his practice as preserving “stories untold” that might otherwise be forgotten.
- 2014 (37th Annual): The festival honored legendary artist Romare Bearden with his jazz-inspired collage Bopping at Birdland (also known as Walking Bass). Bearden’s improvisational photomontage technique—layering fragments of paper, fabric, and photos—mirrored the spontaneous spirit of jazz, a connection he explored deeply in both his art and writings.
From Bearden’s historic collages to the vibrant, community-rooted works of recent Atlanta artists, the festival’s signature artworks have consistently celebrated Black creativity, cultural fusion, intergenerational bonds, and the city’s unique “special sauce.
Baker’s Spirit of Atlanta carries that legacy forward, reminding everyone why the Atlanta Jazz Festival remains one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
In a recent interview, Real Housewives mastermind Andy Cohen addressed the buzz surrounding NeNe Leakes’ surprise appearance on Ultimate Girls Trip and whether it signals a potential return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
NeNe, a founding cast member and one of the most iconic figures in the Housewives franchise, has had a complicated history with Bravo in recent years, including a high-profile lawsuit against the network. During the conversation, Cohen was asked why the network would bring her back for the Ultimate Girls Trip special despite the past legal drama.
Nene Leakes’ return to RHOA: What Andy Says
“We are celebrating 20 years of the Housewives,” Cohen explained. “I can’t speak to that lawsuit, but it’s in the past. She was integral to the show and its success. As we looked back on 20 years, it felt like doing something with her would be really nice for the fans, and she really wanted to do it. It was very positive.”
The appearance has naturally sparked speculation among fans about whether this is a stepping stone to a full-time return to RHOA. Cohen was direct when asked if the special was a “foot in the door” for NeNe’s comeback.
“You know what? We’ve worked so hard to get a cast on Atlanta that is cohesive and makes sense and that we love and the fans love,” he said. “We want to be at the level that Atlanta used to be, and we are finally there. That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”
Cohen’s comments strike a careful balance—celebrating NeNe’s contributions to the franchise’s legacy while emphasizing the current focus on the existing RHOA cast. The 20th anniversary celebrations appear to be about honoring history and giving fans nostalgic moments without committing to major cast shake-ups.
NeNe Leakes helped put Real Housewives of Atlanta on the map with her larger-than-life personality, memorable one-liners, and unfiltered drama during her many seasons on the show. Her departure and subsequent legal battles created headlines, but her influence on the series remains undeniable.
Whether this Ultimate Girls Trip appearance remains a one-off celebration or plants the seeds for something more, fans are sure to be watching closely. For now, Andy Cohen seems content keeping the current Atlanta ensemble intact while tipping his hat to the franchise’s trailblazers.
Only time will tell if NeNe will once again be “gone with the wind… fabulous” on RHOA.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
-
When the original wooden planters along PATH400 in Buckhead needed replacing, Livable Buckhead opted for more than a simple swap.
Instead, the organization partnered with QUIKRETE, Belter Tech, COBOD, and students from the University of Miami to create a striking, forward-looking solution: large-scale 3D-printed concrete raised beds.
3D-Printed Concrete Planters Along PATH400: What To Know
These new planters use approximately 70% less material than traditional cast-in-place concrete methods, are engineered for decades of durability, and creatively spell out “P-A-T-H-4-0-0” along the popular trail.
A Community Garden with Deep Roots
Volunteers filled the frames with plants during Earth Week on Friday, April 24, marking a visible upgrade to a beloved community space.
The garden has been a fixture along PATH400 since 2017.
For the past nine years, residents of the nearby Marian Road high-rise have lovingly maintained the raised beds, growing vegetables and flowers that add color and life to the greenway while fostering a strong sense of connection to their outdoor community.The seniors will continue stewarding the upgraded planter beds.
“PATH400 has always been about bringing people together, and these new planters are a perfect reflection of that spirit,” said Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead. “We are proud to see innovation and community stewardship come together in such a visible way.”
Cutting-Edge Construction Meets Community Benefit
The project highlights the potential of emerging construction technologies when paired with thoughtful collaboration.
Originally planned to require about 20 cubic yards of concrete using conventional methods, the team shifted to 3D concrete printing, slashing material usage to roughly six cubic yards. The approach also eliminated the need for traditional footings, slab placement, and reinforcing steel.
What would have taken an estimated two weeks was compressed into just three to four days of installation.
QUIKRETE supplied the specialized 3D-printing concrete mix and managed logistics, including trucking from Atlanta to the University of Miami campus and back.
Belter Tech contributed key material innovations, such as lightweight synthetic foamed glass aggregate, which improves drainage and enhances long-term durability.
“It’s a great demonstration of innovative collaborations with community-based non-profits, academia and corporations,” said Gerald Hughes, founder and CEO of Belter Tech. “There was a lot of effort from all parties to make this happen, and it’s exciting to see it come to life.”
Real-World Impact for Students and the Public
For the University of Miami students involved in the design, the PATH400 planters represent far more than a classroom exercise.
Their work has become a permanent, public installation that thousands of trail users will see and interact with every day.
“This is a very exciting project that highlights how academia and industry can work together for community benefit,” said Dr. Prannoy Suraneni of the University of Miami.
The installation not only refreshes a community asset but also serves as a living showcase of sustainable construction.
By dramatically reducing material use, shortening timelines, and creating durable, low-maintenance structures, the 3D-printed planters demonstrate how innovative technologies can deliver both environmental and social value in urban spaces.
As PATH400 continues to grow as a vital 5.2-mile greenway connecting neighborhoods across Buckhead, these eye-catching, letter-shaped planters stand as a testament to what’s possible when community vision, corporate expertise, and academic creativity converge. The garden remains a place where residents grow more than just plants — they cultivate connections that strengthen the entire neighborhood.
