ATLANTA — The landmark complex in downtown Atlanta, once the home of CNN, is being reimagined, rebranded and about to reopen.
Now called The Center, it will open just the iconic atrium space that includes a new food hall on May 21.
“It’s really the connection of the arenas, the convention center, the park…everybody comes here,” said Chris Eachus, founding partner of the CP Group that owns the property.
The centerpiece of the food hall is a 90-seat bar that’s dubbed “the largest in the city.” It’s surrounded by 11 new restaurant spaces that are much more high-end than previous food court.
The entrances are also upgraded, expanded and more welcoming, featuring murals from a local artist. And the spot where the giant CNN logo used to sit, will soon have a new sculpture featuring the letters “ATL” stacked vertically outside the south entrance.
The goal was to open in time for this summer’s FIFA World Cup matches in Atlanta, then continuing converting old CNN office space and studios into living space. Plans include a new hotel in one tower and multi-family condos or apartments in another.
Construction work will halt during the World Cup. “Really let the community come in and see this for the first time,” said Eachus. “Then we’ll resume after that and the vision will be able build out more retail around the atrium, then ultimately activations going upstairs.”
After opening to the public in May, the grand opening celebration will take place over the weekend of June 12-13 that will include a watch party for the U.S. World Cup match.
The CP Group confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that they are in preliminary conversations with the city and county to form a public-private partnership that would allow the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority, which owns State Farm Arena next door, to invest and take some ownership in the facility. But GP Group still plans to develop and operate the full project.
TRENDING STORIES: