'World-class' overhaul planned for CNN Center, a downtown landmark Josh Green Thu, 04/04/2024 - 16:32 Say so long to downtown Atlanta’s landmark CNN Center and hello to simply… “The Center.”
CP Group, a commercial restate and management firm with a huge Atlanta portfolio, announced today it’s planning to remake the 1.2-million-square-foot, 1970s high-rise property into a “world-class” hub of dining, retail, entertainment, and content creation called The Center.
The announcement comes after CNN has departed the building and stripped off its branding as its offices are moved to Midtown, following nearly four decades of being headquartered downtown.
With Atlanta’s full month of 2026 FIFA World Cup matches a little more than two years away, CP Group is focusing its energy on activating the ground-floor level of the complex, which includes Omni Atlanta Hotel. The goal is to land retailers and “innovative tenants” who want space at a recognizable, centrally located property where no office space has been available for lease for 40 years.
Plans for The Center's revised Marietta Street facade. CP Group; designs, ASD/SKY
Shutterstock
The Center’s retail leasing agent, Coleman Weatherholtz of Healey Weatherholtz Properties, said his company is “already engaged with several new-to-market retail concepts to join the repositioning of this legendary building,” in today’s media announcement. CBRE has been tapped to lease the office component.
Nicole Goldsmith, senior vice president of CBRE in Atlanta, called the building’s branding opportunities “unmatched.”
“Our vision includes curating an unparalleled selection of dynamic users, dining and retail experiences, entertainment offerings, and elevated lifestyle amenities,” added CP Group partner Chris Eachus, “all of which will be carefully crafted to draw the community into the heart of the city.”
Built in 1976 as the Omni Complex, the property was reshaped by mogul Ted Turner into CNN Center in 1986. Three years ago, CP Group bought the complex from CNN’s former parent company, AT&T, by way of a sale-leaseback that ran through this year.
Along with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Center’s neighbors include State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, and the country’s fourth-largest convention center—attractions that draw more than 12 million visitors per year, per CP Group.
CP Group; designs, ASD/SKY
CNN Center's vast interiors, as seen in 2018. Shutterstock
No timeline for The Center’s construction start and opening was provided in today’s announcement. We’ve asked CP reps for more details and will post any that come.
Elsewhere in Atlanta, the company is moving forward with additional changes to another landmark property it owns—Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the Southeast—where a new plaza, outdoor café, and top-floor amenity space are now planned.
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CNN Center The Center Downtown Atlanta CP Group World Cup 2026 Healey Weatherholtz Properties Adaptive-Reuse Adaptive-Reuse Development Omni Atlanta Hotel Atlanta Hotels Atlanta Landmarks ASD|SKY CBRE
Images
Plans for The Center's revised Marietta Street facade. CP Group; designs, ASD/SKY
CP Group; designs, ASD/SKY
CNN Center's vast interiors, as seen in 2018. Shutterstock
Shutterstock
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