Keeping the Dream Alive of a Downtown Freeway Cap in Atlanta

Advocates and experts are still working to further the idea of capping a Downtown freeway connector in Atlanta—a project called "The Stitch."

1 minute read

February 21, 2019, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Stitch

Central Atlanta Progress / The Stitch, designed by Jacobs.

Sean Keenan reports on the latest action for "The Stitch," a conceptual plan that would cover a half-mile stretch of the Interstate 75/85 Connector in Downtown Atlanta.

An initial design study in 2016 "mapped out pipe-dream plans to cover a half-mile stretch of the Interstate 75/85 Connector with concrete, creating a long tunnel for cars and a 14-acre canvas above for green space, between the Civic Center MARTA station and Piedmont Avenue," according to Keenan.

Engineering and feasibility studies have been underway since then, but most recently an Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel is set to examine The Stitch's vision plan to bring real estate and development expertise to the table in making the vision a reality.

According to an earlier article updating the public about the ongoing planning for The Stitch, Dave Huddleston shares soundbites from AJ Robinson with Central Atlanta Progress, who describes the statues of the proposal and describes some of the construction challenges that would face the project.

When Planetizen first picked up news of the Stitch in 2016, the proposal came with an estimated price tag of $300 million. Now Huddleston and Keenan report $400 million as a possibility.

Monday, February 11, 2019 in Curbed 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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

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.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.