The Heart of Atlanta: Exploring South Downtown's Renewal

Written By Lily Gearing

World Affairs Council of Atlanta

Aug 24, 2026

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta recently welcomed members and guests for an exclusive tour of South Downtown Atlanta, offering a firsthand look at one of the city's most ambitious redevelopment efforts. The program was inspired and proposed by Daniel Dames, an Atlanta native and member of the Council's Young Leaders Executive Board, as an opportunity to explore how historic preservation, entrepreneurship, innovation and community investment are reshaping one of Atlanta's most historic neighborhoods.

The experience was led by Jon Birdsong, CEO of SoDo Atlanta, whose team is spearheading the revitalization of more than 50 buildings across 16 acres in the heart of downtown.

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Lily Gearing
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