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City officially looking for Civic Center redevelopers, ideas
By Collin Kelley INtown Editor
Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development authority, has announced a request for proposals for the redevelopment of the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on the cusp of Downtown and the Old Fourth Ward.
The nearly 20-acre site, which sits at 295 Piedmont Avenue between Pine Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard, is currently owned by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation and is one of the largest assemblages of land in Downtown.
“The redevelopment of the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center will bring renewed economic and cultural vibrancy to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “I have great confidence that the deliberate, open process being put forward by Invest Atlanta will allow us find a partner capable of transforming this asset into a destination that will attract people to the heart of Atlanta for many years to come.”
Along with speaking to primary and secondary redevelopment objectives, submitted proposals must also conform to city of Atlanta zoning restrictions, as well as align with community interests. Around 100 people were in attendance last month for a meeting with community leaders about the future of the Civic Center property.
According to Tim Hollis, president of the Fourth Ward West Neighborhood Association, the majority of residents at the meeting wanted a mixeduse development including retail, restaurants, office and residential. He said walkability and the development being easily accessible to residents was important.
Invest Atlanta said “innovative public/private partnerships in support of the technology and the bio-sciencesectors, as well as the growing film and entertainment industry” are also possibilities for the site.
Proposals are due Dec. 10 and finalists will be asked to provide their firm’s offers at the beginning of the year. Once a recommended developer is selected, their proposal will be evaluated and reviewed by the Invest Atlanta Board of Directors.
The Civic Center, which was built in 1967 on former slum land known as Buttermilk Bottom, seats 4,600 and has hosted concerts, theater and, more recently, has become home to taping shows like Family Feud.
