As Atlantans, we have a lot to look forward to. In Downtown specifically, there’s an energy in the air thanks to the upcoming World Cup, which will give our city center the chance to showcase its unique character to the entire world. There’s a flurry of new developments underway, and this year our skyline gained a new addition with the completion of the Signia by Hilton hotel. Many of our historic structures also made the news in 2023, including Sweet Auburn’s Odd Fellows Building and the Atlanta Life Building. New businesses set up shop, and thousands of students lived and learned here. Downtown is very much alive.

One of the most exciting trends in the heart of our city is the conversion of existing buildings into residential properties. Watching the City and local stakeholders embrace this solution to housing has been inspiring to say the least. CAP/ADID hosted Brookings Fellow Tracy Hadden Loh in September, who presented her research on this trend, and we also recently completed a study to identify potential buildings for conversion. I can’t wait to share the results. After all, more residents mean more activity, more spending, and more vibrancy. And that’s exactly what Downtown needs.

As I enter my second year as CAP chairman, there’s no doubt in my mind that this year will have even more triumphs than the last. That energy in the air will only keep building, and that’s truly something to look forward to.

Dr. Brian Davis
Chairman, CAP