Downtown Atlanta’s former CNN Center targets May reopening with new food hall and cultural programming

A landmark complex shifts from single-tenant identity to mixed-use destination

Downtown Atlanta’s former CNN Center is moving closer to reopening as “The Center,” a redevelopment that aims to reposition the 1.2 million-square-foot property as a daily gathering place connecting the city’s sports, convention, and tourism core.

The building, long associated with CNN’s headquarters presence downtown, is being reintroduced with a new mix of dining, retail, cultural activations, and event-oriented programming. The operator has set a reopening for May 2026, with additional elements scheduled to debut later in the year.

What is expected to open in May

The reopening plan centers on a redesigned central atrium intended to function as the project’s primary public space. A new dining hub—described as a 24,000-square-foot food-and-gather destination—will anchor the atrium and is planned to include 12 concepts and a large full-service bar.

Announced restaurant concepts for the food hall include La Tropical, Fuzzy’s, Patty & Frank’s, Mimi Taqueria, Flora D’Italia, and Dessert Box, alongside the atrium’s primary bar.

• Reconfigured atrium built around a food hall format
• Multiple restaurant concepts positioned for everyday foot traffic and major event surges
• Connections emphasized to nearby venues including State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Georgia World Congress Center

Construction milestones and remaining work

Project leaders say exterior renovations and a new “arrival experience” have been completed as part of an initial $50 million investment. Additional atrium work, described as a $15 million effort, is nearing completion ahead of the May reopening.

Separately, the site’s large-format digital signage has been incorporated into public-facing programming and advertising initiatives tied to arts visibility and event periods.

Arts programming and public activation

The development’s cultural platform, branded as CTR Culture, is being used to structure public art installations and programming in and around the property. The program has included a grant initiative providing local creators access to digital billboard placements on the building’s exterior.

The redevelopment plan frames the building’s transition as an effort to make the property more permeable and usable for regular downtown activity, rather than functioning primarily as a closed corporate campus.

World Cup-related uses and timing

The Center is being positioned to support major events expected in Atlanta in 2026. Plans include hosting the local volunteer headquarters tied to FIFA World Cup operations in Atlanta. A separate restaurant anchor, Mastro’s Ocean Club, has been announced for an 8,200-square-foot ground-floor space with an opening projected for mid-2026.

With May reopening plans and additional mid-2026 openings, the redevelopment’s timeline is aligned with Atlanta’s expected peak visitor season surrounding summer 2026 events.