Simpson-West Peachtree Streetscape Improvements

The JSA-McGill Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan identified the need for improvements to enhance the pedestrian experience between the Civic Center MARTA Rail Station and the new Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola attractions. This area, Centennial Hill, is rapidly redeveloping into a dense, urban mixed-use neighborhood. The planned improvements will make it easier for pedestrians to access the new attractions and growing neighborhood, as well as encourage additional redevelopment.

The project area includes the sidewalks and intersections along Simpson Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and West Peachtree Street and West Peachtree Street, extending from the Civic Center MARTA station to Hardy Ivy Park (at the intersection of Simpson Street).

Project Location Map

Proposed improvements on Simpson Street between Centennial Olympic Park Drive and West Peachtree Street include on-street parking with two lanes of traffic, one in either direction. A minimum 30’ wide sidewalk, with 5' street furniture zone, 15' clear zone and 10' supplemental zone is proposed. Street trees will be consistently spaced at 30’ on center and additional street and pedestrian lighting will be added. ‘Bulb-outs’ at intersections will allow more space for outdoor dining, and all crosswalks will be constructed or accented with unit pavers to match the treatment of the clear zone.

An enhanced streetscape has been also proposed along West Peachtree Street, extending from the Civic Center MARTA station to Hardy Ivy Park. The West Peachtree roadway section will be kept as currently designed, except for the addition of on-street bike lanes in the zone normally occupied by parking. Sidewalks will be upgraded with a 5’ clear zone added with street trees spaced 30’ to 40’ on center, as well as pedestrian lighting. The intersection of West Peachtree and Simpson Street will be given special emphasis as a gateway entrance into Centennial Hill.

Along both streets sidewalk improvements will include replacing existing broken concrete with new materials, making granite curb improvements, adding trash cans and banners, as well as “greening” the corridor with new raised planters, additional flower baskets, additional street trees and tree well plantings. Planned safety improvements at all intersections include providing ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps on deficient streets, re-painting high-visibility crosswalk markings at all crosswalks, performing electrical work to repair pedestrian signals and performing drainage work to eliminate ponding in crosswalks.

The total design and construction cost of the improvements is estimated at $2.9 million dollars. Funding for the project is being provided by an Atlanta Regional Commission Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) implementation grant. Matching funds are being contributed by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. Efforts are currently underway to contract for design and engineering services and begin conceptual design. Construction is projected to begin in 2006.