Midtown Atlanta’s long-discussed development of 98 14th Street Park is officially moving forward after the project reached its first major milestone. Midtown Alliance recently approved the selection of Field Operations, a well-known landscape architecture firm, to lead the development. The decision marks the beginning of the park’s design phase.
The approval marks an important step for the small but strategically located green space, according to the design team. The space has stayed underused even as the surrounding neighborhood has grown rapidly in recent years. With a design team now in place, planners say the project can begin shaping a vision for a park that better fits Midtown’s density and community needs.
Concept development will continue through 2026. Midtown Alliance Marketing and Communications Director, Brian Carr emphasized the project’s success depends on creating a space that feels alive and brings in people of all kinds.
“When it comes down to it, the park needs to be busy and teeming with people,” Carr said. “People interacting with each other, having a good time, and doing it in the heart of the city.”
Carr expanded on how limited green space is in Midtown, pointing out that the district is mostly packed with buildings. He said that’s why adding a new park is such an important step for the neighborhood.
“If you take the entire footprint of what we consider to be Midtown, it would add up to about 770 acres of land,” Carr said. “But only one of those acres has green space on it, not including Piedmont Park.”
The site had been tied up in plans for a high-rise that never moved forward, leaving the property stuck for years. Carr explained once it became clear the project wasn’t going to happen, there was a chance for the Midtown Improvement District to step in and secure the land.
“The land was intended for another high rise to be built, but it just couldn’t get over the hump,” Carr said. “So what we realized is that this was kind of a now or never opportunity. The Midtown Improvement District Board of Directors made a really wise decision to permanently protect this land and do something really excellent with it that would benefit the entire city.”
Midtown resident Caroline Watkins, who lives two blocks from the site, said the new park design feels overdue. Watkins said she along with other residents have been waiting for a plan for the area for years, especially as the neighborhood has become more crowded.
“The space has always had potential, but it never quite matched the energy of the neighborhood,” Watkins said. “I’ve always wanted a park where I can go sit outside, see people, and feel connected to the community.”
Watkins said she often walks past the property on her way to work and has noticed how underused it is.
“It’s a great location, but people don’t really stop there,” Watkins said. “It isn’t inviting enough.”
Parent Jordan Rowe, who lives near the lot with his kids, said the project feels significant because families in Midtown don’t have many places nearby to spend time outdoors.
“As a parent, you’re always looking for safe, open space,” Rowe said. “This park gives families like mine somewhere to go without having to leave the neighborhood.”
Rowe said the project feels especially meaningful for families who live in the area, explaining that Midtown’s dense environment leaves very few places for kids to play.
“My kids just want somewhere to run around that isn’t a sidewalk,” Rowe said. “A park this close gives them room to actually be kids. As more people move into Midtown, especially families, places like this are important.”
Carr emphasized the goal is to create a park that stays active throughout the day. He described a place where people can come at any time of day, with lots of different activities for everyone.
“We really want to think about this as an active use park, a place where you could do lots of different things,” Carr said. “Picture yoga classes outside in the morning, then maybe you come back in the afternoon for a bite to eat at a cafe. Then in the evening, you might come back even a third time for a musical performance in a small amphitheater or a theatrical performance.”
According to Carr, the team is focused on making the park useful for everyone who passes through Midtown, not just the people closest to it. He said the space is being designed to feel welcoming to all kinds of people.
“You could be a visitor taking a one-ride trip from the airport, and get off just a block away,” Carr said. “Or you could be a daytime worker, and you could take a short walk a few blocks over to this space, and maybe meet up with a coworker for lunch. You could also be a resident and go take a quick walk and be outside for a minute in a really fun place.”
As construction moves forward, residents like Watkins said they’re eager to see the final result and are hopeful that the new park will become a new gathering place in the heart of the neighborhood.
“A good park brings people together, and I think when this is done, it finally will,” said Watkins.
