On Aug. 18, the mayor announced the city had reached a deal with Georgia State, and real estate companies Carter and Oakwood Development, on the Turner Field renovation and the 67 acres around it.
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The ambitious plan to turn Turner Field into a massive mixed-use development took a big step forward today, though it will be a while yet before the property officially changes hands and shovels start digging into the ground.
In a story August 18 about a redevelopment deal at Turner Field, The Associated Press reported erroneously the name of a real estate firm.
Turner Field was initially built for the 1996 Olympics and has been home to the Braves for the past 20 seasons.
The school is also exploring the possibility of building a new baseball stadium on the site of the old Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, and using the old ballpark’s outfield wall as part of its design.
With the redevelopment project, Turner Field will now get its “third life” as a college football venue, Georgia State President Mark Becker noted.
“We want gentrification but the right type of gentrification”, said Suzanne Mitchell of the Organized Neighbors of Summerhill. “We’re in conversation. We’re going to get a strong agreement”.
“Historically this neighborhood since the 60’s has been left behind”, said Mitchell. It was built for 1996 Olympic Games, was home to the Atlanta Braves and will now become the home of the Georgia State Panthers.
The bid approval also requires Georgia State and its partners to preserve the existing landmarks on the site, including the Hank Aaron Statue.
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The Georgia State team has been quiet about their plans during negotiations. Its main campus is in the heart of downtown Atlanta, just north of Turner Field.
