Category: Development

Georgia State University has been on a torrid pace of expansion in and around downtown Atlanta. The largest plans include significant changes around Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, transforming the greenspaces into central hubs that encourage student engagement and strengthen GSU’s efforts to create safe, inviting and comfortable spaces for the community.

The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.

Also, located in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Preservation District, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza (FSL Plaza) would be erected on the site of the building located at 148 Edgewood.

Photo credit: Georgia State University

But there is now an effort underway to save the building from being touched by Georgia State.

According to Jeff Notrica, a Georgia-based historic property preservationist and President of Inman Park Properties, Inc., 148 Edgewood Avenue NE is more than just a building. It’s a rare survivor—a steadfast sentinel—enduring on a street scarred by a Federal highway cutting through its heart and the devastation of urban renewal that demolished much of Atlanta’s Black business and residential areas. Now, it faces an unnecessary final threat: demolition by Georgia State University.

Preservationists: Don’t Touch 148 Edgewood Avenue

“Let us be clear—148 Edgewood is a contributing structure to the Martin Luther King, Jr. – Local Landmark District, designated in 1989,” he says in a recent news release. “It lies squarely within a protected zone that commemorates one of the most vital and historically rich Black communities in the United States. The building’s destruction would not only diminish the physical fabric of this district, but would also deepen the slow erosion of its soul—piece by piece, building by building.”

Preservationists, including the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) and figures like Notrica, view these demolitions as unnecessary losses of Atlanta’s dwindling historic fabric, particularly in areas impacted by past urban renewal and highway construction that devastated Black business and residential districts.

GSU’s response includes a proposal to replace 148 Edgewood with a Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza, featuring a mural commemorating the building’s façade, but preservationists, including APC’s David Mitchell, argue this does not adequately honor the site’s history and advocate for adaptive reuse to maintain architectural diversity and economic benefits.

More changes are on the way: GSU’s $107 million “Building Pathways for Success” initiative, funded in part by an $80 million Woodruff Foundation gift, aims to transform the campus into a vibrant “college town” by 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Key projects include razing Sparks Hall, the university’s first purpose-built structure from 1955, and 148 Edgewood Avenue, a nearly century-old building in the Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District, to expand the campus Greenway and create a “Panther Quad” with enhanced greenspaces and pedestrian areas.

Georgia State has been expanding outward since acquiring land in the heart of downtown Atlanta off Peachtree Street. Now much of the plans stretch toward the Old Fourth Ward and into areas deemed historic.

The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.

At the north end of Hurt Park, the 100 Edgewood building will gain a dining area and gathering space, solidifying its role as a key part of the new campus core. Renovations to the building’s first four floors will modernize classroom spaces and add interconnecting stairways for better circulation.

Final Word

The tension between GSU’s downtown Atlanta campus expansion and historic preservationists stems from the university’s plans to demolish historic buildings to make way for modern developments, which preservationists argue erases significant cultural and architectural heritage.

They argue that buildings like 148 Edgewood, a rare survivor of these disruptions, hold significant historical value and could be adaptively reused to preserve the city’s character while meeting GSU’s needs. The APC has expressed hope that GSU’s plans could incorporate preservation, citing the university’s past adaptive reuse of buildings like the Hurt Building and 25 Park Place.

The conflict reflects a broader debate: GSU’s vision for a modern, student-centric campus versus preservationists’ emphasis on retaining Atlanta’s historic identity, especially in a city with a limited stock of historic structures.

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Downtown Atlanta has a lot of cool things to get into, including nice restaurants to eat at. One thing you might not know about is that downtown Atlanta is a live music mecca.

Where’s the Live Music in Downtown Atlanta

In this article, we’ll show you where you can live live music acts in downtown Atlanta. Let’s get started. Also, don’t forget about our

Downtown Atlanta has a vibrant live music scene with venues catering to various genres and vibes. Here are some top spots where you can catch live performances, based on the latest information available:

The Tabernacle

152 Luckie St NW Atlanta Ga. 30303

A historic former church turned music venue, known for hosting big-name acts like Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae, as well as local artists. It offers standing room for up to 2,500 and reserved balcony seating. Expect genres from hip-hop to rock. Check their schedule for events like the “Legends of Rock” tribute on May 3, 2025. Nearby dining options include Waffle House and Ted’s Montana Grill.

in Atlanta

Enjoy a live music performance from talented jazz musicians and vocalists. With a mix of carefully chosen classics and spontaneous improvisation, this feel-good live music performance takes you on a journey to the roots of this revolutionary genre. Get your tickets now for We call it Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans in Atlanta! Book now.

Red Phone Booth

17 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, Ga. 30323

Here’s what one reviewer says about Red Phone Booth. “Very cool spot to chill and have drinks. Its a cigar spot with very good ventilation system. They played a wide variety of music and had a very diverse crowd. We had a great experience.”

The Masquerade

50 Lower Alabama St, Underground Atlanta, Ga. 30303

Located in Underground Atlanta, this venue has three stages—Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory—hosting nearly 700 shows annually. It’s a go-to for rock, metal, hip-hop, and alternative acts, with past performers like Foo Fighters and Radiohead. Its central location near Centennial Olympic Park makes it accessible.

Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint

200 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303

A nostalgic venue blending Southern soul food with live music, often featuring blues, jazz, and R&B. Its intimate setting and historic decor make it ideal for a relaxed night out.

Soul Nights and More

Come check out a Candlelight Concert, which offers a soothing atmosphere while the soulful hits of Prince, Maxwell, Marvin Gaye and more play live on strings. Get tickets.

The American Hotel

160 Ted Turner Dr NW Atlanta, GA. 30303

Known for occasional live jazz nights, the American Hotel is a great spot for smooth tunes and a classy atmosphere. Check their event listings for upcoming performances.

Rialto Center for the Arts

80 Forsyth St NW Atlanta, GA. 30303

A smaller, 833-seat venue in the Fairlie-Poplar district, perfect for jazz, world music, and intimate concerts. It’s a cultural hub with excellent acoustics.

Live Music Venues: What To Know Before You Go

Attending a live music event in downtown Atlanta can be an exciting experience, but being prepared will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Here are key things to know before heading to a concert or music event in the area, tailored to the downtown Atlanta scene in 2025:

1. Check Venue-Specific Details

Venues and Policies: Popular downtown venues like The Tabernacle, The Masquerade, Rialto Center for the Arts, and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint have unique policies. For example, The Tabernacle allows small bags but may prohibit large backpacks, while The Masquerade has strict rules on re-entry. Always check the venue’s website for bag policies, prohibited items (e.g., weapons, outside food/drinks), and ID requirements (some events are 21+).

Seating and Capacity: Venues like The Tabernacle offer both standing room (up to 2,500) and reserved balcony seating, while Rialto is more intimate with 833 seats. Know whether the event is general admission (standing) or seated to plan your arrival time for a good spot.

Arrival Time: Doors typically open 1-2 hours before the show. Arrive early for general admission shows to secure a good view, especially at smaller venues like The Masquerade’s Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory stages.

2. Ticketing and Entry

Buy Tickets Early: Atlanta’s music scene is vibrant, with over 1,100 events listed for 2025 on platforms like Songkick. Popular shows at venues like The Tabernacle or The Masquerade can sell out quickly. Use trusted platforms like Ticketmaster, Bandsintown, or SeatGeek to purchase tickets and avoid scalpers.

Digital Tickets: Many venues now use mobile tickets. Download your ticket to your phone via the venue’s preferred app (e.g., Ticketmaster) and ensure your phone is charged. Some venues, like The Masquerade, may also accept physica

3. Transportation and Parking

Public Transit: MARTA is a convenient option for downtown Atlanta. Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center are within walking distance of venues like The Tabernacle and Rialto. A round-trip fare is about $5. Check MARTA schedules, as service may end around midnight.

Parking: Downtown parking can be expensive ($10-$30) and limited during events. Venues like The Tabernacle recommend nearby decks (e.g., AmericasMart or Centennial Olympic Park lots). Pre-book parking through apps like SpotHero to save time. Avoid street parking unless you’re familiar with restrictions to prevent towing.

Final Word

For the latest information, check out our Atlanta Live Music Weekend Guide to see who’s performing where.

Downtown Atlanta is busy, especially near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena during overlapping events. Plan for traffic delays, particularly on weekends or during festivals like Shaky Knees (September 19-21, 2025, at Piedmont Park).

If you want to check out some other cool spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.

Don’t look now but your fellow motorist might not be a person, but a computer! Driverless rideshares have appeared in the Atlanta area over the past month and you might have seen them on the highways.

How To Get a Driverless Rideshare in Atlanta

Both Lyft and Uber have partnered with autonomous vehicle companies to offer robotaxi services in metro Atlanta:

Lyft and May Mobility

Lyft, in collaboration with May Mobility, has rolled out autonomous Toyota Sienna minivans in Atlanta starting in summer 2025. These vehicles operate in designated areas of metro Atlanta, initially with safety operators, transitioning to fully autonomous operation over time.

The service is expanding based on data and user demand, with May Mobility already conducting fully driverless operations in Peachtree Corners, a suburb of Atlanta.

Uber and Waymo

Uber, partnered with Waymo, launched driverless rides in Atlanta in summer 2025, covering a 65-square-mile area from Downtown to Buckhead to Capitol View.

The service uses Waymo’s fully autonomous, all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. Riders can join an interest list via the Uber app to access these rides, with pricing equivalent to UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or Uber Comfort Electric.

When I joined the Waymo program via Uber, it put me on a wait list.

Additionally, a pilot program by Glydways is bringing self-driving podcars to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport area, connecting the airport SkyTrain to the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, aimed at addressing transportation gaps for airport workers.

These services are operational, with ongoing expansions planned.

Should You Do a Driverless Rideshare: Pros and Cons

As you can see, there are general advantages and challenges of driverless rideshares, especially with their widespread deployment in Atlanta and broader industr expansion plans.

How to save on car insurance in Atlanta.

Bank of America Plaza in downtown Atlanta is in the midst of a major renovation that will ultimately lead to the structure being rechristened as “The South Star.”

The CP Group, a commercial real estate investment and management firm, is currently in working on a $50 million renovation of Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the Southeastern U.S.

Acquired in 2022 in partnership with HPS Investment Partners, LLC, CP Group is revitalizing the 55-story Midtown Atlanta skyscraper into a modern, community-focused workplace experience, now rebranded as “The South Star.”

Bank of America Plaza Being Reimagined in Atlanta

With its distinctive golden spire illuminating the Atlanta skyline, Bank of America Plaza has long been a symbol of prestige. Now, CP Group is reintroducing the tower in a whole new light, transforming it into a premier destination for businesses seeking a dynamic, high-end office environment.

“We are proud to officially put shovels in the ground on this transformative repositioning,” said Chris Eachus, Partner at CP Group. “This marks a new chapter for one of Atlanta’s most recognized buildings, enhancing its offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.”

A Visionary Redesign

CP Group has enlisted Gensler, a global architecture firm, to oversee the redesign and Holder Construction to lead the renovations. A major highlight is the complete modernization of the 20,000-square-foot lobby, paying homage to the tower’s original Art Deco revival design with a contemporary twist.

New features include:

• An upscale, barista-operated café offering specialty coffee, light bites, and cocktails.
• A versatile huddle-and-focus workspace for guests and tenants seeking a change of scenery.
• A curated art gallery showcasing rotating exhibits from local institutions.
• Plans for a high-end restaurant and a renovated 55th-floor event space and tenant lounge with panoramic city views.

“Our design reconnects the tower to the city, bringing its ‘golden glow’ from the spire to the ground level, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for tenants and visitors,” said Kevin Songer, Co-Managing Director for Gensler Atlanta.

Enhancing Workplace Flexibility

As part of the renovations, CP Group recently delivered 100,000 square feet of move-in-ready spec suites under its worCPlaces flexible workspace program. These 13 new suites cater to businesses of all sizes, offering premium office solutions within an iconic setting.

A Top Destination for Leading Companies

The transformation of Bank of America Plaza has already attracted major tenants. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, a global law firm, has signed a 94,000-square-foot lease, relocating its Atlanta office to the tower.

Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.

Check out what to do in downtown Atlanta in a day.