Before/after: South Downtown parking lot reborn as versatile parkJosh GreenWed, 05/20/2026 - 14:04A uniquely green lynchpin in South Downtown’s multi-block rebirth has officially arrived. Formerly a parking lot wedged between Broad and Peachtree streets, among some of Atlanta’s most richly historic blocks, Founders Green has opened as one of the key public spaces in the area’s redevelopment.Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and other dignitaries were scheduled to lead a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the 1/2-acre greenspace at 110 Broad St. Situated next to the forthcoming third outpost of popular taqueria El Tesoro and MARTA’s new Rapid A-Line bus route, Founders Green includes seating areas, a stage, and enough space for concerts, viewing parties, and movie nights, officials have said. As seen from Broad Street, the former parking lot in question in June 2024, with Peachtree Street on the other side. Google MapsA repurposed car-parking sign (with a revised meaning) at Founders Green today. Courtesy of South DowntownFor Atlanta Ventures—the company of tech entrepreneurs with 58 historic structures and 16 acres of South Downtown in its portfolio—Founders Green marks the first foray into open greenspace in the district. The project is part of a planned wave of pre-2026 FIFA World Cup restaurant and retail openings that now includes Bottle Rocket burgers and sushi joint, which recently opened on Hotel Row. The Founders Green site before (left) and today between Broad and Peachtree streets in South Downtown. Courtesy of South DowntownHow Founders Green relates to Mitchell Street (at bottom right), where other South Downtown renovation projects stand along the new MARTA Rapid A-Line. Courtesy of South DowntownToday’s ribbon-cutting marked the second major milestone for South Downtown developers this month, following the launch of pre-leasing at historic, circa-1899 renovation project 85 Peachtree. That late-Victorian building, considered to be Atlanta’s original department store (and one of the first in the Southeast), has been remade into 26 loft apartments with retail space below. It began life as the Bass Dry Goods Building, and upper floors were mostly empty for the past half-century as the neighborhood hollowed out. Find more images and context for the latest neighborhood addition, Founders Green, in the gallery above. **…**Follow us on social media:Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  • Downtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)Tags110 Broad St. SWFounders GreenHotel RowAtlanta VenturesHistoric Hotel RowAtlanta RestaurantsAtlanta Restaurant NewsSmorgasburgSmorgasburg AtlantaSouth DowntownAtlanta Food TrucksAtlanta Food NewsSouth Downtown developmentSouth Downtown NewsMule TrainThe Plate Sale2026 FIFA World CupAtlanta World CupWorld Cup NewsFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026MARTA Rapid A-LineA-LineDowntown ApartmentsAtlanta HistoryAdaptive ReuseAdaptive-ReuseAdaptive-Reuse DevelopmentAdaptive-Reuse ProjectDowntown Atlanta HistoryAtlanta ParksDowntown ParksDowntown GreenspaceAtlanta GreenspacesImagesAs seen from Broad Street, the former parking lot in question in June 2024, with Peachtree Street on the other side. Google MapsThe Founders Green site before (left) and today between Broad and Peachtree streets in South Downtown. Courtesy of South DowntownProgress on Founders Green and Broad Street’s people-friendly overhaul in April this year. Courtesy of South DowntownCourtesy of South DowntownLooking north across South Downtown toward some of Atlanta’s tallest landmark skyscrapers. Courtesy of South DowntownA repurposed car-parking sign (with a revised meaning) at Founders Green today. Courtesy of South DowntownFounders Green, at right, with a row of forthcoming restaurants in revived South Downtown storefronts. Courtesy of South DowntownA rendering showing the full 110 Broad St. SW park space with a completed El Tesoro restaurant and patio next door. Courtesy of South DowntownHow Founders Green relates to Mitchell Street (at bottom right), where other South Downtown renovation projects stand along the new MARTA Rapid A-Line. Courtesy of South DowntownCourtesy of South DowntownSubtitleFounders Green to function as social hub near wave of food-and-beverage offerings, new MARTA lineNeighborhoodDowntownBackground ImageImageBefore/After ImagesSponsored PostOff

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