Updates
2025
New renderings and a commitment from Mayor Dickens for The Stitch project, Oct. 22, 2025
This city continues to prepare for Phase I, a 5-acre park covering the Downtown Connector along Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard, as reported in the AJC, https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/10/atlantas-stitch-project-is-a-go-despite-federal-cuts-itll-look-like-this
Downtown civic organizations Central Atlanta Progress and Atlanta Downtown Improvement District released new renderings at the inaugural Downtown Day on 10/22/2025, placing a spotlight on one of the city’s most challenging — and potentially transformative — projects. According to Mayor Andre Dickens, “This public park will be transformative. And it is still going to happen,” adding that nationwide cuts in federal funding will not derail the project.
“The web of bridges is part of Atlanta’s identity…”
Terrell, Matt. “Like ‘em or not, skybridges are a defining element of Atlanta’s cityscape.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Aug. 27, 2025, https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/08/like-em-or-not-skybridges-are-a-defining-element-of-atlantas-cityscape/
“… but they are also a source of civic debate. Critics argue that skybridges suck life off the sidewalks and privatize public space, while defenders say they were a practical solution to crime, traffic and weather when downtown was struggling.”
“The Stitch is happening,” reports Jack Cebe, Director of the Stitch, in newsletter posted August 6, 2025
- The Stitch Master Plan was formally adopted by Atlanta City Council and Mayor Dickens in June.
- $200M in local and federal funding has been secured for design and construction of phase I of the project, “including winning the largest discretionary transportation grant in the region’s history.”
- Atlanta Downtown Stitch Inc. non-profit organization has been created to manage the project, as well as a new Stitch Special Services Assessment District to fund project administration, construction, and operations.
- The project was on track to begin construction of phase 1 in 2026 until the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July, rescinded $151.4M in federal grant funds awarded to the Stitch. “While the loss of this funding is disappointing, The Stitch is happening,” according to Cebe. The project will complete shovel-ready engineering, permitting, and approvals needed for phase 1 construction by mid-2026, and Mayor Dickens and GDOT leadership have reaffirmed their commitment to constructing the project.
Ted Turner Drive (formerly Spring Street) Viaduct reopens after 7 years of construction and upgrades, July 16, 2025
From the U.S. General Services Administration – https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-4-southeast-sunbelt/community-matters/ted-turner-drive-viaduct-replacement-project
Construction begins on Georgia Capitol Skybridge, mid-July 2025
A pedestrian bridge for state officials and employees will require modification of the north façade of the original 1889 Georgia State Capitol building, which has been named a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Skybridge proposed over MLK, Jr. Dr., connecting the Capitol and a new legislative office building
Bunch, Riley. “City Council signs over air rights for state Capitol skybridge,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 17, 2025, https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/city-council-signs-over-air-rights-for-state-capitol-skybridge/
Downtown Atlanta’s many skybridges
A survey by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution of downtown Atlanta identified at least 35 skybridges — defined as a pedestrian bridge crossing over a street and connecting two buildings. Bridges between buildings designed by John Portman account for most of them, with another cluster near the Georgia State University campus.
Federal funding for The Stitch may be in jeopardy. Proposed federal budget would claw back $157.6 million construction grant
Gregory, Sara. “Downtown Atlanta officials push Congress to preserve funding for the Stitch,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 11, 2025, https://www.ajc.com/news/2025/06/downtown-atlanta-officials-push-congress-to-preserve-funding-for-the-stitch/
Central Avenue and Viaduct now Shirley C. Franklin Blvd., Feb. 5, 2025
Atlanta City Council approves renaming Central Avenue to Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard in honor of Mayor Franklin, who served two terms and was the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the modern South. https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4094/175?arch=1
