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DEL.ICIO.USDowntown’s Robinson enthusiastic about museum
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After briefing the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s executive committee this morning, A.J. Robinson was enthusiastic about Gov. Sonny Perdue’s announcement of plans for the National Health Museum.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Robinson, president of Central Atlanta Progress. “It fits in with Atlanta being this new eclectic collection of assets. We have media with CNN, the Olympics and sports, the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola and the proposed Center for Civil and Human Rights. It builds on the strength of Atlanta as a place for attractions.”
CAP already is taking the lead in developing the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which is expected to cost at least $100 million. The Coca-Cola Co. already has offered a site for the center to be on the same block as the new World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.
Robinson does not see that fund-raising for the National Health Museum taking away from the fund-raising effort of the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“The financing for the health museum is ambitious,” Robinson said. “But there are national foundations, pharmaceutical companies and other health industry companies. And it’s going to require some public support.”
Robinson thought the health museum would “have any impact on” the civil rights center.
“It’s two totally different projects,” he said. “One is a project about what is unique about Atlanta and its history. The other is a national attraction. I think the timing is such that we are on track with the Center for Civil and Human Rights. The health museum is not going to impede our ability to raise money. We are out there already in full force raising money.”
Robinson said the announcement just reinforces the tremendous impact that Centennial Olympic Park has had on downtown.
“Look back to 1994,” he said. “We are beginning to really realize the potential that that Olympic gift has made to our city. We have had 60 acres of urban renewal. We have created a visitor profile that we can leverage. Today, the feasibility of a project is so much easier because of the number of people already coming to this area.”
Comments
By newkid
June 19, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Great news!
By GT
June 19, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Wow. A Health Museum. Maybe they can dedicate an exhibit to the dangers posed by chronic boredom.
By Bubba Jones
June 20, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
If you want a REAL money maker - you should build a Mark Richt museum. Woof Woof Woof!!!
By Reality
June 20, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
“Wow. A Health Museum. Maybe they can dedicate an exhibit to the dangers posed by chronic boredom”
Is there any other city in America that is so despised by its inhabitants? Why is that? I visit downtown often and see visitors enjoying themselves. The dancing fountains at Cent. Olym. Park is a huge draw for giddy kids. CNN Center is always packed with visitors. In the convention district visitors seem to be having a good time. Outsiders come and enjoy themselves, but we locals can’t get past the 6 o’clock news. Sad sad.
By Rudy's Back
June 20, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Bubba: Take another STUPID PILL!!!
By Dan
June 21, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
This will become a real Atlanta landmark. Moshe Safdie does incredible work.
By JM
June 23, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Exhibit 1 for the Health Museum: Treadmills for all the fat Americans.
Exhibit 2: The world’s longest corridor to an exhibit