Category: Business

The Atlanta Medical Center’s demolition began earlier this past summer, closing a chapter for the city and paving way for a new mixed-used development.

As the dust settles on the sprawling 22-acre site in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward, the demolition of the former Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) has officially concluded, signaling the end of over a century of healthcare service and the dawn of a transformative redevelopment project.

Atlanta Medical Center Demolition Begins

The methodical dismantling of the 1.8 million-square-foot complex, which began with a ceremonial start on June 30, 2025, is expected to wrap up in mid-2026, leaving behind a cleared canvas for what developers promise will be a community-focused “neighborhood of the future.”

But will it be? Local TV station 11Alive reports that city officials are quietly weighing whether they can bring another hospital to the space.

Atlanta Medical Center: A History

The AMC, originally established in 1901 as the Tabernacle Infirmary and later known as Georgia Baptist Hospital, served as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s medical landscape for more than 120 years.

It operated as a 460-bed facility and Level I trauma center under Wellstar Health System until its abrupt closure on November 1, 2022, amid financial challenges including high costs for uncompensated care and operational losses exacerbated by inflation and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shutdown left a significant void in the city’s healthcare infrastructure, with Grady Memorial Hospital becoming the sole Level I trauma center in Atlanta proper, straining resources for underserved communities in the area.

A Methodical Demolition Process

Unlike dramatic implosions seen in other high-profile demolitions, the AMC takedown was a “slow, tedious process” designed to minimize disruption to the surrounding neighborhood, according to Chad Maddock of Ferma Corporation, the California-based firm leading the effort.

Subcontractors Atlanta Demolition and Trinity Green assisted in the phase-by-phase deconstruction, which targeted unsafe and unusable structures first, including a large parking deck and several aging buildings from the 1920s era.

Permits for the work were filed in April 2025, with initial site preparation starting in May, though brief pauses occurred due to city reviews.

Heavy machinery, including an ultra high-reach excavator assembled on-site in mid-May, methodically chipped away at the complex over several months, addressing hazards like asbestos and lead while protecting nearby trees and limiting dust and debris.

The project reportedly employed 10 local residents trained in demolition skills, providing job opportunities in the community.

By early September, the bulk of the structures had been reduced to rubble, with final cleanup completing the phase by mid-month—right on schedule for the late-2025 timeline projected by project managers.

Community members gathered for emotional farewells during the process. Former employee Meta Anthony, who worked at the hospital for four decades, described the scene as “bittersweet,” wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “R.I.P. AMC” while recording the excavators at work.

Resident Tommie Hinton, whose life was saved by AMC staff in 2017, even joined the demolition crew, calling it a full-circle moment.

“We were like a family,” Anthony reflected, echoing sentiments from nurses and staff who mourned the loss of a vital community anchor.

Redevelopment

BLVDNEXT and a New Community HubWith the demolition complete, attention now turns to the site’s rebirth under the banner of BLVDNEXT, a multi-phase mixed-use development led by Atlanta-based The Integral Group in partnership with Wellstar.

The project aligns with the Atlanta Medical Center Small Area Plan, unanimously approved by the City Council in September 2024 and supported by Mayor Andre Dickens, which envisions over 2 million square feet of housing, hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial space, public green spaces, and some medical facilities.

Key elements of the redevelopment include:

• Mixed-Income Housing: A focus on affordable and market-rate residential units to address Atlanta’s housing needs, with high-rises offering skyline views and integrating the facade of the historic 1920s Georgia Baptist Hospital building for preservation.sources
• Retail and Commercial Spaces: Ground-level shops, offices, and amenities to create a vibrant “community hub” that reconnects the Old Fourth Ward with surrounding neighborhoods. 2 sources
• Public Green Spaces and Parks: Expansive parks designed for recreation, with an emphasis on accessibility and skyline vistas, fostering a sense of place in the historic district.
• Healthcare Integration: While no full hospital replacement is planned—drawing criticism from some medical advocates—Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders has committed to incorporating “convenient healthcare needs” such as primary care, urgent care, or clinics, shaped by ongoing community input.

This responds to concerns about healthcare deserts in the area, with Wellstar already investing $5 million in nearby Southside Medical Center expansions post-closure.

Egbert Perry, chairman of The Integral Group, emphasized community engagement: “We’re creating a neighborhood that reflects the full breadth of Atlanta,” with phases unfolding over several years, starting with infrastructure construction as early as February 2026.

Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman hailed the project as a partnership to “honor the historic community,” while Old Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association president Tom Boyle called it “the beginning of the beginning” for revitalization.

Lingering Concerns and Hope for the Future

The closure and demolition have not been without controversy. Critics, including former AMC physician Dr. Cecil Bennett and community leaders, have decried the loss of a major trauma center, arguing it disproportionately affects low-income and minority residents who relied on its services.

Federal complaints alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act remain pending, and nearby hospitals like Grady and Emory Midtown continue to grapple with increased patient loads.

Historic preservation groups have pushed for more elements of the original buildings to be saved, beyond just facades.

Yet, for many in the Old Fourth Ward, the project represents renewal. “It’s time for a change,” said one former staffer, as crews cleared the site in May.

Final Word

With construction set to ramp up soon, BLVDNEXT could redefine the area as a beacon of inclusive growth, blending Atlanta’s rich history with modern urban living. As Perry noted, the redevelopment is about “more than just development—it’s a commitment to understanding and addressing the core needs of the people who live there.”

Residents and officials alike will watch closely as the site evolves, ensuring the legacy of AMC endures in the community’s brighter tomorrow.

Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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In a bold move to shield vulnerable residents from the ripple effects of federal gridlock, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has issued an executive order imposing an immediate moratorium on residential evictions and water shutoffs.

The pause will remain in place through January 31, 2026—or until federal funding is restored, whichever comes first.

Mayor Dickens Halts Evictions Amid SNAP Crisis

The announcement comes as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, faces a critical lapse in federal funding due to an ongoing government shutdown now entering its 30th day.

SNAP benefits, which support food security for approximately 260,000 people in the Atlanta metro area—about 13% of the local population—were halted November 1, leaving families, seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities in precarious financial straits.

“No resident should go hungry or wonder how they will put food on the table because of a government shutdown or a failure to agree on policy decisions,” Dickens stated during a press conference on October 30, flanked by City Councilmembers Jennifer N. Bond, Andrea Boone, and Antonio Brown, as well as leaders from the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Goodr, and Atlanta Public Schools.

“No one should have to worry about losing their home or water access while trying to put food on the table,” he added in a follow-up statement.

A Multi-Pronged Emergency Response: ATL CARES Initiative

The moratorium is a cornerstone of the newly launched ATL CARES (Community Action & Relief for Emergency Support) initiative, a comprehensive emergency plan designed to combat food insecurity and financial hardship during the funding uncertainty.

Under the order, the city’s Department of Watershed Management will suspend all water service terminations for non-payment, ensuring uninterrupted access to this essential utility. 4

On the housing front, the directive extends to key city partners, including the Atlanta Housing Authority, Atlanta Beltline Inc., Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority, Invest Atlanta, Partners for Home, and the Department of Grants and Community Development.

These entities are prohibited from issuing eviction notices, initiating eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent, or imposing late fees in city-owned, sponsored, or funded housing units.

Beyond immediate protections, ATL CARES emphasizes community mobilization. The Atlanta Community Food Bank is deploying $5 million from its reserves to procure over 6 million pounds of emergency food for distribution in the coming weeks.

Partnerships with organizations like Goodr Community Market, Hosea Helps, and faith-based groups are coordinating food drives, distributions, and donation drop-offs.

Read how SNAP recipients can get food discounts in Atlanta.

City officials are urging residents, schools, and businesses to contribute non-perishable items and organize local collection efforts.

Resources and donation opportunities are available on the City of Atlanta’s website (atlantaga.gov) and social media channels, with additional support from non-profits and private partners in the works.

Broader Calls for Action Amid Federal Stalemate

Mayor Dickens’ actions underscore growing frustration with the federal shutdown, which last week prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to notify the Georgia Department of Human Services that SNAP payments would not be issued starting in November.

Georgia Democrats have amplified calls for state-level intervention, while the mayor has pressed state and federal leaders for a swift resolution to avoid long-term disruptions. 1 4

This isn’t the first time Dickens has championed relief for housing and utility affordability; the moratorium builds on his administration’s ongoing initiatives for affordable housing and utility assistance programs.

As the shutdown drags on—nearing the 35-day record from 2018-2019—local leaders warn that the SNAP lapse could exacerbate Atlanta’s existing challenges with food deserts and economic inequality.

Final Word

For more information on ATL CARES or to get involved, visit atlantaga.gov or contact the Mayor’s Office at (404) 330-6100.

City officials continue to monitor the situation and pledge to adapt as needed to support Atlanta’s families through this crisis.

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The horror-comedy franchise that defined a generation of spoof films is on its way back to the big and small screen. Scary Movie 6, the latest installment in the beloved series, has officially entered production at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

When Is the Release Date for Scary Movie 6?

Scary Movie 6 is set to be released theatrically on June 12, 2026, according to an announcement from Marlon Wayans.

The film, which marks the first Scary Movie project helmed by the Wayans brothers in over two decades, is set to bring back the irreverent humor and sharp parodies that made the franchise a cultural phenomenon.

With filming underway this fall, fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s theatrical release on June 12, 2026.The Scary Movie franchise, which began in 2000 with its iconic parody of Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, has grossed nearly $900 million worldwide.

After a lackluster Scary Movie 5 in 2013, which did not feature the original cast or creative team, the Wayans brothers—Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory—are back to write and produce, with Marlon and Shawn also expected to star.

The trio’s return signals a revival of the R-rated, boundary-pushing humor that defined the early films. Michael Tiddes, a longtime Wayans collaborator known for A Haunted House and Naked, is directing the project, with Miramax and Paramount backing the production.

Scary Movie 6: A Star-Studded Cast Reunion

The film is set to reunite core Scary Movie stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall, who will reprise their iconic roles as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks, respectively. Faris, who appeared in the first four films, expressed enthusiasm for returning, telling People, “I would love to work with Regina again. I just love her so much. We would make each other giggle all day long.”

Hall echoed the sentiment to TV Insider, noting her excitement about the Wayans brothers leading the project: “Anna is great. I’m just very excited to know that the Wayans, who actually started the project out of their idea, are back on board.”

Marlon Wayans, who played Shorty Meeks in the first two films, teased his return on Instagram, stating, “WE’RE BACK!!!

After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give the fans what they’ve been asking for.” News reports have also hinted at Shorty’s return, with additional rumors of new characters like Sara, Tuesday, and Nurse Ratchett, who may lead the film’s narrative alongside the returning cast. Dave Sheridan is confirmed to return as Doofy, the bumbling deputy from the original film, adding to the nostalgic appeal.

There’s also buzz about potential new faces. Scream star Melissa Barrera, who was controversially dropped from Scream 7, expressed interest in joining the parody, telling Inverse, “I always loved those movies. That would be so fun to do.”

While her involvement remains unconfirmed, her addition would be a meta nod to the franchise’s roots in spoofing Scream. Other rumored cast members include Chloe Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Keke Palmer, Casey Simpson, King Bach, and Cheri Oteri, though these names stem from unverified sources and await official confirmation.

Scary Movie Casting in Atlanta

Hylton Castings in Atlanta is casting extras and stand-ins for the film. Here is the latest casting call:

Submit to the casting call.

Production for Scary Movie 6 kicked off in October 2025 at Tyler Perry Studios, a hub for major productions like The Walking Dead and Black Panther. Atlanta’s film-friendly infrastructure and skilled union crews make it an ideal location, with local union IATSE No. 479 notifying members of pre-production in July. The choice of Atlanta aligns with the franchise’s history, as Scary Movie 5 was also filmed in the area in 2012.

The production is expected to wrap by early 2026 to meet the June release date.What to ExpectWhile plot details remain under wraps, Scary Movie 6 is poised to parody the modern horror landscape, targeting hits like Get Out, Hereditary, Midsommar, The Conjuring, and the recent Scream reboots. News reports suggest the film may poke fun at the streaming era of horror, with characters like Nurse Ratchett delivering satirical jabs.

The Wayans brothers have promised a return to the franchise’s R-rated roots, with Marlon telling People, “We got the gloves off,” indicating a no-holds-barred approach to comedy.Release Date and ExpectationsScary Movie 6 is slated for a global theatrical release on June 12, 2026, via Paramount, with Miramax’s Jonathan Glickman expressing excitement: “The timing couldn’t be better to revive the series on the big screen.”

Final Word

The film faces a competitive summer slot, following Scream 7’s release on February 27, 2026, which could provide fresh material for parody. Box office predictions vary, with Reddit users estimating an opening weekend of $40–80 million domestically, driven by nostalgia and the Wayans’ comedic pedigree.As production ramps up, fans are buzzing with anticipation for a return to the franchise’s glory days.

With Anna Faris, Regina Hall, and the Wayans brothers leading the charge, Scary Movie 6 aims to deliver the laughs and scares that made the series a staple of early 2000s pop culture. Stay tuned for casting updates and potential trailers, which may drop alongside Scream 7 in early 2026.

Georgia’s film industry is one of the largest and most economically significant in the United States, often dubbed the “Hollywood of the South.” That means visitors might spot production activity or yellow filming signs around the city.

Georgia has proven that it is the moviemaking mecca. New movies go into production just about every other weekend in Atlanta. Aside from these TV shows currently filming in Atlanta, some big movies are also in production. The collective economic impact from the film industry in Georgia is more than $10 billion, further solidifying the Peach State as a movie powerhouse where you can break into the film industry be either:

• Making your own film
• Becoming an actor
• Getting hired for production on a film or TV show

SNAP recipients can receive major grocery discounts from Instacart and DoorDash as a government shutdown threatens food aid payments.

The initiatives come as the government shutdown surpasses the one-month mark and puts 42 million Americans at risk of losing SNAP benefits.

Locally, Instacart and Door Dash are stepping up to help those affected by the shutdown.

Instacart and Door Dash Offer Relief for SNAP Recipients

Here are the key takeaways from the two companies’ plans:

🛒 Instacart’s Support for SNAP Customers

• 50% discount on the next grocery order for customers who used a SNAP/EBT card in October.
• The discount is valid even if SNAP payments are processed as scheduled on November 1.
• Instacart is tripling donations to over 300 food banks, totaling $5 million in direct relief.
• The company began accepting online SNAP payments in 2020 and offers free delivery on orders over $35 for SNAP users.

🚚 DoorDash’s Relief Efforts

• Waiving service and delivery fees for up to 300,000 orders from SNAP recipients in November.
• Committing to deliver 1 million meals from food banks at no cost.
• Over 2.4 million DoorDash customers have SNAP/EBT cards linked to their accounts.

Read more about Door Dash’s relief program.

⚖️ Legal and Government Developments

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture has frozen SNAP payments as of November 1 due to the government shutdown.
• Two federal judges may rule soon on whether the Trump administration must continue funding SNAP benefits.
• Even if benefits are not suspended, delays in reloading SNAP debit cards could affect access to groceries in early November.
• A legal challenge from Democratic officials in 25 states is underway, with at least one judge expressing skepticism about halting benefits.

These efforts aim to cushion the impact of the potential disruption in SNAP funding, which affects 1 in 8 Americans who rely on the program for food assistance

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