Turner Field with mixed-use project

Georgia State University and real estate developer Carter want to transform Turner Field and its vast parking lots into a south campus with a football stadium, baseball field, retail, residential and student housing.

The $300 million redevelopment of the 77acre site would be funded by public and private sources. The preliminary proposal would include a 30,000-seat football stadium and a baseball complex for Georgia State. The baseball stadium would be designed in the former location of Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and would incorporate the Hank Aaron wall. Georgia State and Carter signed an exclusive agreement on May 7 to work together on the project.

“The acquisition of the Turner Field property would represent a major step towards strengthening Georgia State University’s position as one of the leading universities in the nation,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “The acquisition would not only expand the university’s current footprint in the city, but would significantly increase its appeal to students looking for a more traditional, campus-centered experience in the heart of a great American city. The benefits to our city and to the university would be substantial.”

Scott Taylor, president of Carter, said, “We have a lot of work to do to define the plan, but we want to share our vision for the site, which we believe will transform the area into a walkable Downtown neighborhood. We are committed to soliciting input on what will be best for the community and city of Atlanta.”

The site would expand GSU’s role in the revitalization of downtown, increasing its campus south into an area where about 2,000 students now park daily.

“We are excited about being partners in the proposed plan,” said GSU President Mark Becker. “I believe it holds great promise for the neighborhoods near our campus, and it’s important to Georgia State that we are contributors to the growing vitality of Downtown Atlanta.”