“The GWCCA envisions a seamless integration of convention facilities, entertainment facilities, and green space to foster a sense of community and excitement,” an authority spokesperson said in a statement. “The proposed project will not only enhance the attractiveness of the GWCCA campus, but will also attract visitors from nearby and further afield and contribute to the economic vitality of the surrounding area.”
The Home Depot Backyard, which opened in 2018, is used as a flexible space year-round, including pop-up events centered around the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and other events held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
GWCCA issued a request for qualifications on April 1 to find potential development partners, aiming to form a coalition of up to five companies. Project details are unclear, but officials said the vision for the redeveloped Home Depot Backyard includes 250,000 square feet of new development focused on entertainment and hospitality uses. Ta.
Companies issuing submissions are asked to provide conceptual designs, schematics, or other construction-related site plans. This project does not have a set budget.
While hospitality is mentioned, the qualification requirements do not mention the residential or office components, both of which are hot real estate areas downtown.
Atlanta leaders push to bring more people to the city center with initiatives like the $5 billion Centennial Yards development and the city-backed transformation of 2 Peachtree Street I've been doing it. Downtown officials are also considering converting vacant office buildings into new housing, a problem exacerbated by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the city's office market.
GWCCA owns the Signia Hotel, which opened in January, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the latter of which is operated by AMB Group, the parent company of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. A spokesperson for AMB Group declined to comment, saying it was too early to provide details.
“As we embark on this exploration process, GWCCA remains committed to ensuring that proposed entertainment projects are consistent with the interests and aspirations of all involved,” the GWCCA statement said. “Together, we look forward to creating a world-class destination that celebrates the spirit and diversity of Atlanta.”
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
The submission deadline is May 1st.