A vacant lot on 14th Street in Midtown, that has sat empty for over 20 years, is now on a path to become an improved green space and public park, overriding former plans for a site to be the city’s tallest residential tower. 

On March 18, the Midtown Improvement District (MID) a part of the Midtown Alliance announced plans to purchase the four acres of land, with aims of creating a public space in the heart of Midtown. 

“For nearly 50 years, Midtown Alliance’s mission has been to create an exceptional urban place where people want to be,” Midtown Alliance Director of Marketing and Communications Brian Carr said. “Now, we are taking a big step forward and changing the trajectory of a disinvested property to make it something the city can be proud of.”

In 2005, there were plans for a symphony hall to be built in the space and most recently there were plans for an  Opus Place residential tower. MID sees an opportunity to provide much-needed green space in the rapidly developing area. 

“Midtown’s only park is Piedmont Park,” Midtown resident Bernie Allen said. “I think having one by all the buildings will create a great space for the community and workers to enjoy all of the time.” 

Midtown Alliance which works with MID launched the ‘¼ All’ campaign in an effort to gather community input about what the park should look like.. Carr says the goal is to get the community involved and allow people to have a voice in the plan. 

“We want to hear from members of the Midtown community about what would make them want to come here, and what would make them say ‘Wow’ when they arrive,” Carr said. “Midtown Alliance is currently fielding a community survey that asks questions about everything from transportation and retail priorities for the district to the amenities people would like to experience in this new space.” 

According to Carr, the park’s central position in Midtown can tie together several parts of the neighborhood that are currently surrounded by skyscrapers. 

“The location is compelling because the site is between two MARTA rail stations,” Carr said. “It’s equidistant from two retail activity centers in Colony Square on Peachtree Street and Whole Foods on West Peachtree Street. It’s aligned with the Midtown Art Walk and it’s immediately adjacent to multiple other greenspaces. So, when you start to look at all the surrounding features, creating a destination here can unlock the value of many other adjacent spaces and achieve a multiplier effect.”

While many are excited about the park, some community members worry about the progression of the construction. Junior Halle Prevost loves the idea of a new park in the city but she holds concerns about the final product.

“I think the idea is great if it actually happens,” Prevost said. “So many proposals have come in and out the door and this lot just can’t seem to have anything. I really think the park is what the city needs to add green space in an increasingly developed area.” 

Prevost also sees the park as an asset for residents instead of commercial business in Midtown. 

“Everywhere you look in Midtown, there are new apartments or construction,” Prevost said. “A park feels like something for the people who already live here, not just the next wave of buildings.”

Carr said this project has a stronger foundation compared to the previously proposed projects because there is funding from MID and potential support from philanthropic partners. The property is under contract, with the sale expected to close in mid-July.

“The Midtown Improvement District announced in March that it has the property under contract to purchase from the seller,” Carr said. “While this is advancing, the Midtown Improvement District is arranging financing for the land purchase with general obligation bonds at a favorable interest rate. Midtown Alliance will then spearhead a capital campaign to raise funds that can be used for improving the site and conduct a search for a firm to design the concept that will amaze people.” 

For Allen, the idea of a park brings hope to the long-vacant lot. 

“It’s exciting to think that something could finally come of this space. A park would be a great addition to the neighborhood, and I think people would really use it,” Allen said.