The Placemaking Round-Up
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
The Biweekly Bazaar
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
A biweekly newsletter with public space news, resources, and opportunities.
A curated dispatch on all things public markets plus the latest announcements from the Market Cities Program.
"This important project will build upon already planned improvements to transform Garnett Station from an everyday train station into a recognizable landmark and civic assetIt will be a vibrant, welcoming public place that anchors South Downtown and enhances the experience for Atlanta commuters, residents, and visitors."
—Alex Frankcombe, Atlanta Downtown’s Director of Art & Activation
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s South Downtown, Garnett Station MARTA Plaza connects nearby neighborhoods, major civic institutions, and cultural landmarks, and serves as a major transportation hub for Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), and Greyhound stations. This project, in partnership with grantee Atlanta Downtown, MARTA Artbound, and the Atlanta City Studio, a program of Department of City Planning, will transform the plaza’s large concrete space into a welcoming, engaging environment designed to promote community connection and encourage more enjoyable use of the public realm. In addition to improving the rider and visitor experience, the new space improvements and programming that will stem from our engagement and visioning process will increase access to social services and foot traffic to local businesses, in time for when the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Atlanta!
In April 2025, as part of Project for Public Spaces’ Community Placemaking Grants: Streets as Places & Destinations Stations, Atlanta Downtown was selected as one of three nonprofits to receive $100,000 each in direct funding, as well as planning, implementation, and capacity building assistance. Starting in April 2025, Project for Public Spaces’ Placemaking team will work with grantees to organize visioning sessions with their respective communities, before conceptualizing an activation plan, designing, construction, and programmatic implementation take place. Projects are expected to be completed by May 2026.
Click here to learn more about Community Placemaking Grants: Streets as Places & Destinations Stations.
Check back to see this space transform!
