Game-changing redevelopments in metro Atlanta

Business

As the face of Atlanta continues evolving, some developments and redevelopments have proven themselves big hits -- or major misses. Here's a look at recent notable successes, failures and potential game-changers around the city.

Centennial Olympic Park: Created as an Olympics-worthy gathering spot in 1996, the 21-acre greenspace has taken off as a development destination, especially since the Georgia Aquarium opened there in 2005. It’s also drawn the relocated World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame and the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Now the Georgia World Congress Center Authority is negotiating to buy the adjacent Metro Atlanta Chamber building to boost park acreage.

Once Atlanta’s party district, Buckhead Atlanta has transformed the area into a high-end shopping destination that has lured mall retailer Restoration Hardware to open a flagship free-standing store across the street. New apartments and rising property values around the project are making some nearby parcel owners, such as rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s, consider selling their buildings.

Midtown’s Tech Square is hot as corporations and residential developers seek to be closer to what is becoming Atlanta’s tech heart (though Alpharetta might argue). NCR plans to move its headquarters from Gwinnett to take draw in tech-savvy Tech students while several big apartment projects, such as the Square on Fifth tower, create walking-distance housing.

The Atlanta Beltline has been one of metro Atlanta’s best redevelopment success stories — at least along its extensive eastside neighborhoods. Built along abandoned railroad tracks, the project includes parks, jogging trails and activity fields aimed at one day forming a loop. In the Old Fourth Ward thousands of new apartments have been built or are planned. Owners of the property that houses concert venue favorite The Masquerade plan to build apartments on the multi-acre site, though whether The Masquerade will be razed is unclear.

Several suburban downtowns have been redeveloped in recent years, including Norcross, Roswell, Decatur, Vinings and Marietta Square, as city leaders try to boost foot traffic, business and an overall sense of livability. Duluth has done so by attracting unique features like concert venue Eddie Owen’s Presents at Red Clay Music Foundry by Eddie’s Attic founder Eddie Owen or more intown-like restaurants such as Pure Tacqueria.

Vine City residents hoped back in the 1990s, when the Georgia Dome was constructed, that it would transform their neighborhood. Other than the construction of a few new houses, the promise of change in the economically struggling neighborhood never happened.

Different community, basically same results as the Georgia Dome. One government-backed effort to develop a next-door entertainment attraction, called FanPlex, was a notable flop.

Despite strong name recognition stemming from the original destination, attempts at resurrecting the downtown shopping and eating complex have fallen flat. But new plans for redevelopment also mark Underground as potential game-changer.

Redevelopment of the massive Doraville site with housing, office, retail and restaurants is planned. What actually happens remains to be seen.

Now, a South Carolina-based developer has control of the Underground property and plans a mixed-use development with possibly a long-sought grocery store for downtown.

City leaders hope the streetcar can spur economic activity in the areas along its route, particularly the Sweet Auburn area. The jury is still out.

The future home of the Atlanta Braves, which has attracted stores, restaurants and businesses (Comcast will locate its offices there), unlike its downtown location.

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As the face of Atlanta continues evolving, some developments and redevelopments have proven themselves big hits -- or major misses. Here's a look at recent notable successes, failures and potential game-changers around the city.

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