Atlanta, Georgia
Client: City of Atlanta
Size: 16.5 acres
Status: Completed 2021
Awards:
2022 Award of Excellence: Sustainable Design
City of Atlanta Urban Design Commission
2023 Honor Award, Georgia ASLA
Collaborators: Smith Dalia Architects, Winter Construction
World’s first triple-certified park achieving LEED, SITES, and
ParkSmart Certifications.
As visitation to Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta continued to grow, the need for additional parking put a strain on the historic park landscape. HGOR served as master planner and landscape architect for the Grant Park Gateway project, transforming this challenge into an opportunity to expand greenspace and strengthen the park’s southeastern entrance. Working as part of a greater design team, the project integrates a semi-underground parking structure beneath a 2.5-acre green roof park, more than doubling available parking while minimizing vehicular impacts and creating a vibrant public gathering space. The project enhances connections between the park, surrounding neighborhoods, and Zoo Atlanta while honoring the historic character established by the 1903 Olmsted Brothers master plan.
Balancing Infrastructure with Experience
The project was driven by the need to accommodate increased visitor demand while protecting the integrity of Atlanta’s oldest public park. HGOR’s solution replaces a 500-space surface lot with a 1,000+ space parking structure, tucked into the landscape beneath a new green roof. This allows for necessary infrastructure to be hidden below grade while creating usable open space where it did not exist before. Located at the southeastern edge of Grant Park, the deck and greenroof establishes a prominent gateway that strengthens the relationship between the park, Zoo Atlanta, and the surrounding neighbors. This approach preserves the park’s character and improves the landscape, while supporting the operational needs and experience of zoo and park visitors.
Improving Circulation & Accessibility
Enhancements to pedestrian circulation improve how visitors move through the park and access Zoo Atlanta. A new pedestrian bridge marks the entrance, improves access, and mitigates vehicular conflicts while guiding visitors toward the park’s internal pathways. The positioning of the structure and surrounding walkways enhances connectivity with nearby neighborhoods and reinforces the park as a welcoming civic destination. Direct ADA-compliant pathways from each level of the parking deck connect key destinations, while new walkways provide views overlooking the park’s existing stormwater pond. By minimizing vehicular interference and prioritizing pedestrian movement, the design significantly improves safety and the overall park experience.
Rooftop Design & Programming
The 2.5-acre rooftop landscape provides new space for gathering, relaxation, and community events. At its center is an open lawn framed by terraced seating, a plaza, and a restaurant, creating opportunities for both informal recreation and organized programming. Elevated views above the surrounding tree canopy reveal glimpses of the Atlanta skyline, reinforcing the park’s connection to the broader city.
Honoring Historic Character
While the green roof park introduces contemporary design elements, the materials and detailing were carefully selected to reflect the historic character of Grant Park. The design draws inspiration from the park’s original 1903 Olmsted Brothers master plan, ensuring that new interventions feel consistent with the park’s historic identity while supporting modern use.
Sustainability & Landscape Stewardship
Environmental performance was integrated throughout the project. Native plantings support biodiversity and long-term landscape resilience, while stormwater is captured and reused for irrigation. Trees removed during construction are being replaced with native species selected to strengthen the park’s future canopy and ecological health.
