Atlanta, Georgia
Client: Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Size: 3.6 acres
Status: Completed 2022
Connecting Atlanta's Largest Event Venues Through a World-Class Public Realm
The Georgia World Congress Center engaged HGOR to reimagine Andrew Young International Boulevard as the connective public realm for one of the nation’s largest convention and entertainment districts. Rather than functioning solely as a transportation corridor, the redesigned pedestrian mall creates a flexible, event-ready environment that strengthens connections between the convention center, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Centennial Olympic Park, and surrounding hotels, retail, dining, destinations in downtown Atlanta. Through strategic planning and landscape architecture, HGOR transformed the corridor into a dynamic civic spine that enhances visitor experience, supports campus expansion, and creates new opportunities for programming, sponsorship, and economic activity.
BEFORE
AFTER
Designing a Street That Works Like An Event Venue
Hosting more than one million visitors annually requires public spaces that perform far beyond everyday streetscapes. The redesigned corridor accommodates conference networking, outdoor exhibitions, sponsorship activations, and special events while continuing to support daily pedestrian movement. By creating flexible spaces that can adapt to changing event needs, the project expands the convention center’s ability to generate revenue beyond its buildings.
Connecting Atlanta's Entertainment District
The pedestrian mall establishes a safe, intuitive connection between the convention center campus, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the surrounding hotel district, and nearby attractions. Visitors can move seamlessly between conventions, sporting events, restaurants, retail, and entertainment within a single walkable public realm, strengthening the district as a unified destination rather than a collection of individual venues.
Setting the Stage For Future Growth
Beyond improving circulation, the project establishes a framework for the continued evolution of the Georgia World Congress Center campus. The redesigned public realm organizes future development, prioritizes pedestrian safety alongside transit and rideshare operations, and creates a cohesive identity that supports the district’s continued growth as one of the country’s premier convention and entertainment destinations.
BEFORE
AFTER
