The Future of Downtown Atlanta: Centennial Yards, South Downtown and Beyond

By Daniela Cintron

Published October 16, 2024
Last Updated October 31, 2024

As Atlanta gears up to host the world during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city’s downtown area is undergoing a renaissance! At the heart of this revitalization is Centennial Yards, a massive development that promises to reshape the city’s core and present a new face of Atlanta. With several ambitious projects nearing completion, here’s what we can expect to see by the time the World Cup arrives.

Centennial Yards has big plans ahead. (Rendering courtesy of Centennial Yards)

What to Expect by 2026

By mid-2026, Centennial Yards and its surrounding developments will introduce a reimagined downtown Atlanta. The neighborhood will boast significant new additions that include:

The Lofts at Centennial Yards (open): A residential address that’s bringing a new wave of urban living options.
Wild Leap Brewery (open): A local favorite, offering a prime spot for fans and visitors to unwind and experience Atlanta’s craft beer scene.
Steele Bridge: Set to be a hub for fan gatherings and brand activations, this space will become a centerpiece during major events.
The Mitchell: Another residential offering in the district, further solidifying Centennial Yards as a prime destination for city living.
Parcel E1: A new 292-key hotel, providing accommodations within the entertainment district.
Fan Gathering Plaza: Located in the heart of the core entertainment district, this plaza will be a central spot for visitors to engage in festivities and enjoy the energy of downtown Atlanta.

South Downtown: A Neighborhood Renaissance

In addition to the developments within Centennial Yards, South Downtown will also see major improvements. Focused on enhancing the experience for pedestrians moving from Five Points MARTA and Garnett MARTA to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this neighborhood will see the renovation of historic buildings, refreshed storefronts and revamped streetscapes. The vision for South Downtown is to create a unique, historic urban environment in the midst of a modernizing city center.

By the time the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, South Downtown will feature an activated “town square” in the heart of the neighborhood, offering a more localized and intimate experience for residents and visitors alike. The area will serve as a contrast to the large-scale developments around it, providing a glimpse into the city’s historic roots.

Downtown Atlanta reimagined. (Rendering courtesy of Centennial Yards)

The timing of this transformation couldn’t be more perfect. The excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup has injected a palpable energy into the city. As Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens aptly put it, the city feels like a “group project” where everyone is all-in. With significant capital being invested into projects like Centennial Yards, South Downtown, Underground Atlanta, The Center and Two Peachtree Street, this is an unprecedented moment in the history of downtown Atlanta.

The enthusiasm surrounding these projects isn’t just about construction cranes and new buildings; it’s about showcasing the best version of Atlanta to the world. With each development milestone, the city’s progress becomes a beacon of pride, attracting more investment, residents and visitors. The ripple effect of these changes is building momentum, and by 2026, Atlanta will be ready to impress on the global stage.

Collaboration at the Core

The transformation of downtown Atlanta is not happening in silos. Collaboration is key among all the major projects in the area, including Centennial Yards and South Downtown. Regular discussions are held to ensure that the story of the city is being told cohesively, whether through social media, events or infrastructure planning.

This spirit of collaboration extends to major city issues such as transportation, safety, security and art and culture initiatives. By aligning their efforts, the leaders behind these projects are creating a stronger, more unified voice for downtown Atlanta’s future.

The Excitement of Progress

While some aspects of Centennial Yards’ progress, like towering cranes, are easy to spot, other changes are happening at a more subtle pace. The team behind the development takes pride in the fact that this vision is actively becoming a reality. New retail spaces, such as Wild Leap Brewery, are already open, and other key elements like Steele Bridge are well underway.

In South Downtown, the energy is also palpable. A new tech coworking space is being built along Historic Hotel Row, alongside a soon-to-open bookstore and record shop. Every week, more people are drawn to the neighborhood, as its transformation begins to take shape.

A Downtown for All

Centennial Yards and South Downtown at the heart of Downtown. (Rendering courtesy of Centennial Yards)

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Atlanta’s downtown area is not only being reshaped, it’s being redefined. Centennial Yards, South Downtown and the surrounding developments are working together to present a unified and vibrant version of the city, one that captures its historic charm while embracing its future.

By 2026, Atlanta will stand proudly as a city ready to welcome the world – with Centennial Yards and South Downtown at its heart.

For more updates, follow @CentennialYards and @southdowntownatl on all platforms!

Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist living in Atlanta. She is passionate about telling stories that highlight the diversity and the blooming gastronomic scene in Atlanta.