Renderings unveiled for signage, public art in Downtown arts & entertainment district

November 17,2018

Renderings of new lighted signage and public art designed to give Downtown a Times Square vibe were revealed this week.

After the Atlanta City Council relaxed restrictions on signage for the Downtown area, Central Atlanta Progress and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District touted the creation of what’s being called the Atlanta Arts & Entertainment District (AAED).

The geography of the district is bounded bounded to the west by Northside Drive; to the north by Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard; to the east by Interstate 75/85 and Courtland Street; and to the south by Trinity Avenue. The AAED includes existing destinations like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Park and the recently approved Gulch development.

Beginning in 2019, expect to see digital media, public art, nontraditional advertising, and dynamic installations in the district, including 101 Marietta, 79 Marietta’s parking facility, Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park, Peachtree Center, and The Westin Peachtree Plaza.

The renderings depict large projected art and advertising wrapping some buildings, large LED signage, and more. The city will have to sign off on final designs, so the renderings provided to the media are subject to change.

“This effort presents us a tremendous opportunity to bring activity and light to signature corridors and nodes of activity in Downtown Atlanta,” said Jennifer Ball, CAP/ADID Vice President of Planning and Economic Development. “Bringing this program to life has been a true collaborative effort between ADID, the volunteers who serve on the District’s Advisory Council, Downtown property owners, and the media industry.”