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The state owned and operated GWCCA told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in April that the public bid, called a request for qualifications, was an “exploration process” to evaluate the best use for the Home Depot Backyard’s greenspace. It’s top priority would be adding new attractions and connectivity between Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 1.5-million square foot congress center and the newly opened Signia by Hilton high-rise hotel.

“We will utilize the time ahead to put an agreement in place and plan to explore and define the types of entertainment and amenities that will best serve our diverse audience and enrich the GWCCA campus,” the authority said.

ExploreWorld Congress Center plots possible $1B future for 20 downtown acres

Separate from the Home Depot Backyard redevelopment plan, the GWCCA in May unveiled a new master plan consisting of more than $1 billion in potential projects, including greenspace, mixed-use development and new pedestrian infrastructure.

Most of that potential development focused on 20 acres of parking lots north and west of the convention center, which was earmarked for potential live-work-play community projects. Like the Home Depot Backyard vision, the projects are theoretical and financing plans have not been set.

GWCCA Executive Director Frank Poe told the AJC in May that he wants his authority to add to the wave of investment and ambitious projects gaining steam across downtown, including the $5 billion Centennial Yards on the doorstep of the convention center.

“We don’t want to be chasing after it,” Poe said of oncoming downtown development. “We want to be part of the conversation and forward-looking with the property we control.”

Future of Downtown

This story is part of an occasional series by the AJC to look at the future of Atlanta’s downtown. Several high-profile developments are poised to bring billions of dollars into the city’s core while it continues to grapple with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and a challenging real estate financing market. Downtown will also soon garner international attention when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, providing a deadline for the city and downtown stakeholders to make promised improvements.