Latest Plans for Atlanta's 'The Gulch' Megaproject Focuses on the Public Realm

The latest round of plans and designs released for The Gulch by developer Centennial Yards Company plots increased walkability and urban design choices that respond to the existing built environment.

1 minute read

July 20, 2021, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Centennial Yards

The Centennial Yards project in Atlanta, planned for a massive redevelopment project known as The Gulch. | Nir Levy / Shutterstock

Josh Green reports on the latest iteration of the plan to redevelop Centennial Yards in Atlanta—a development known as the Gulch.

"In an effort to blend with what’s already there, a revised plan for the $5-billion transformation of downtown’s Gulch puts connectivity to existing streets and pedestrian access at the forefront, according to the project’s development team," writes Green.

The project, which is supported by $1.9 billion in public subsidies, will cover at least a dozen city blocks, Green explains, located near the State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

"The updated site plan aims to make Centennial Yards more of an extension of surrounding city blocks by continuing the style and scale of existing buildings, while adding what project officials call increased walkability and access," reports Green.

The most recent version of the plan was submitted as part of a Special Application Permit that city officials says marks a major milestone for the project.

The development team behind the project, Centennial Yards Company, also announced the hiring of Foster + Partners to work with Perkins + Will on forthcoming designs for the project.

Monday, July 19, 2021 in Urbanize Atlanta

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post