South Downtown's multi-block rebirth now has a front yard. Urbanize Atlanta reports that Founders Green officially opened today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Gov. Brian Kemp, Mayor Andre Dickens, and other dignitaries. The half-acre park at 110 Broad Street was, until recently, a parking lot wedged between Broad and Peachtree streets in one of Atlanta's most historically significant blocks.
For Atlanta Ventures, the tech entrepreneur collective with 58 historic structures and 16 acres of South Downtown in its portfolio, this is their first foray into open greenspace. The park sits next to the forthcoming third outpost of popular taqueria El Tesoro and along MARTA's new Rapid A-Line bus route.
Founders Green includes seating areas, a stage, and space for concerts, viewing parties, and movie nights. A repurposed parking sign with a revised meaning marks the transformation. The opening is part of a planned wave of pre-World Cup restaurant and retail openings, following Bottle Rocket burgers and sushi joint on nearby Hotel Row.
The location is ideal for foot traffic from State Farm Arena events and Georgia World Congress Center conventions. For a district that was mostly empty storefronts five years ago, having a dedicated public space marks a turning point.
