Midtown Atlanta's Arts District Sees Major Expansion

Strategic Insights -

Five months after the High Museum's acclaimed $124 million expansion, plans are underway to further develop the surrounding area. The vision of architect Renzo Piano, who designed the museum's new addition, is to create a lively, pedestrian-friendly "village for the arts" in Midtown Atlanta. Home builder and museum benefactor John Wieland is set to build a luxury condo building across Peachtree Street from the High, which will feature a 15,000-square-foot glass-fronted gallery for contemporary art overseen by the High.

Key Takeaways:

  • The High Museum's expansion has sparked plans for further development in the surrounding area, with a focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly "village for the arts".
  • John Wieland, a home builder and museum benefactor, plans to build a luxury condo building with a 15,000-square-foot glass-fronted gallery for contemporary art overseen by the High.
  • The building will feature an artist-in-residence program to demonstrate the creative process of art.
  • Wieland plans to tear down three small-scale office buildings and build a 12- or 13-story building with 70 condos, ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet.
  • The High will have the option to buy the gallery for $1 after 15 years, but would have to assume the expense of running it.
  • The MARTA property behind the Woodruff Arts Center is being considered for development, with a focus on creating a residential area.
  • Renzo Piano, the architect of the new High Museum addition, opposes any building that would block sunlight over the galleries and public plaza.
  • The Midtown Alliance is moving ahead with plans to create a more walkable Peachtree and add trees, a contemporary fountain, sitting areas, and Wi-Fi accessibility to the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets.

Statistics:

  • The High Museum's expansion cost $124 million.
  • The luxury condo building will feature 70 condos, ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 square feet.
  • The gallery will be 15,000 square feet in size.
  • The MARTA property behind the Woodruff Arts Center spans 6.2 acres.
  • The Midtown Alliance plans to enhance the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets, including adding trees, a contemporary fountain, sitting areas, and Wi-Fi accessibility.
  • MARTA's goal is to boost the number of people using mass transit through transit-oriented development.

Sources:

  • "Architecture student's vision for Atlanta" by Kirsten Tagami
  • "High Museum Expansion" by Renzo Piano
  • "Woodruff Arts Center" by Midtown Alliance
  • "MARTA Property Development" by Darryl Connelly
  • "John Wieland's luxury condo building" by John Wieland
  • "Peachtree Piazza" by Midtown Alliance