Georgia State University is gearing up for a major makeover of its downtown Atlanta campus with a fast-tracked $107 million project expected to reshape the area by the summer of 2026. Bolstered by a generous $80 million donation from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, the university aims to complete the transformation before the 2026 World Cup soccer events kick off at nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
University Aims to Create a “College Town Downtown”
For Georgia State, the goal isn’t just about new buildings or paths; it’s about reimagining the heart of downtown Atlanta as a more vibrant, inviting space for students and city residents alike. President M. Brian Blake envisions the project as a way to bring a more traditional college campus feel to the university’s urban landscape. Founded as a night school nearly a century ago, Georgia State has often lacked the green spaces and gathering spots associated with many other American universities.
This plan, which includes demolishing Sparks Hall, one of the university’s original structures, will create a spacious quadrangle for students to relax, study, and socialize. Georgia State is also proposing to close a block of Gilmer Street to create a pedestrian pathway near Hurt Park, an area the university maintains under contract with the city. These efforts aim to establish what Blake calls “a college town downtown,” a place that feels more cohesive and student-friendly in a bustling city center.
The new layout isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about giving students a sense of place and community. “They want more spaces to gather, to unwind, to feel like they’re really part of a campus,” Blake noted, pointing out that these updates align with feedback from students since his arrival in 2021.
Woodruff Park and Surrounding Areas Set for Major Changes
The university’s renovation extends beyond its own grounds, as Georgia State aims to make Woodruff Park more accessible and appealing. Known as a popular spot for the homeless population, the park has often been a source of concern for students. As part of the project, the university plans to collaborate with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) to relocate a streetcar platform, opening up space for a new staircase that will lead students directly from campus into the park. This would encourage students to walk through the park, connecting the campus’s east and west sides.
University Executive Vice President Jared Abramson described the initiative as “putting our plan on steroids,” thanks to the sizable donation from the Woodruff Foundation. By creating more accessible, welcoming routes through Woodruff Park, the university hopes to integrate the park into students’ daily routines while addressing the needs of the homeless community in meaningful ways. Georgia State’s new Center on Health and Homelessness in the School of Public Health will likely play a role in these efforts, with faculty and students researching sustainable solutions to help those experiencing homelessness.
A Boost for Downtown Amid High Vacancy Rates
Atlanta’s downtown has seen its share of struggles, with office vacancy rates climbing and businesses feeling the pinch. For many, the glitz and development of Atlanta’s Midtown have become more attractive than the quieter and sometimes struggling downtown. Georgia State’s plans, however, could be a game-changer for the area.
By investing in its downtown footprint, the university hopes to breathe life into the area and encourage greater student activity and foot traffic, which could, in turn, benefit local businesses. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a Georgia State alum, praised the plan, saying, “This project will breathe new life into our downtown area and into the city of Atlanta.” For a downtown hit hard by pandemic-related closures and reduced foot traffic, this boost in activity might be just what’s needed to revive the area’s vibrancy.
A noticeable upgrade in the campus infrastructure could also enhance the appeal of downtown Atlanta as a whole, helping to address the high vacancy rates in office buildings and making the area more attractive to prospective tenants and residents.
Renovations to Existing Buildings, Future Prospects for Student Growth
The makeover also involves significant changes to existing buildings, including the 18-story former United Way of Greater Atlanta headquarters, which the university acquired last year for $34 million. Renovations here and in other buildings around Hurt Park will give students modern, updated spaces that are connected to green areas and pedestrian pathways.
For the university, these upgrades are also an investment in its growth. Abramson mentioned that safety concerns in downtown Atlanta have often been cited by students who choose not to attend Georgia State. With the new improvements, the university aims to address these worries head-on, creating a campus environment that feels safer, more cohesive, and more inviting. “Bringing more of our good energy to more spaces,” Abramson explained, could have a ripple effect that not only attracts students but also elevates the perception of downtown as a whole.
Fast-Tracking to Meet the World Cup Deadline
The project is on an aggressive timeline, with a target completion date of summer 2026. This rush is partly due to the World Cup, which will bring thousands of fans and international attention to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium nearby. To make the project a reality on such a tight schedule, Georgia State will cover $27 million of the total cost, with the Woodruff Foundation’s contribution making up the bulk of the funding.
The University System of Georgia regents have given their approval, though each individual project will still need additional sign-offs. Once construction begins, it will be a race against the clock, with an ambitious deadline that, if met, could showcase the university’s new look to visitors from around the world.
