Experts make recommendations on future of Underground

for the city and a gathering place for Atlantans of all ages to utilize,” said Lalani.

“We commissioned the design charrette as first step in creating a uniquely activated entertainment district that will restore the sense of wonderment and excitement around Underground Atlanta. We look forward to the opportunity to speak with the community to hear their thoughts on what uses will best serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods and the city to allow us to create an informed plan for this project.”

By Collin Kelley

After purchasing Underground Atlanta for $31.6 million last November, the Downtown property’s new owner is considering multifamily residential options, more retail and restaurants, and reactivating outdoor spaces.

Those are some of the recommendations that came out of a recent three-day design charrette with some of Atlanta’s leading urban planners, architects, engineers and placemaking experts.

The team, which was assembled by owner Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Billionaires Funding Group (BFG), and HGOR, an Atlanta-based urban design, placemaking and landscape architecture firm, envisioned the first drafts of a master plan for the storied district. To follow the charrette, Lalani said the team would soon seek community feedback to help inform the final master plan.

“Our hope with the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta is to create the right environment