The Project
The Stitch is a transformational civic infrastructure investment needed to reconnect Downtown Atlanta, the heart of the region, and improve access to affordable housing, low-cost transportation, jobs, and community resources.
Once completed, it will create approximately 17 acres of new community park space atop a new, ¾-mile platform spanning the Downtown Connector between Ted Turner Drive and Piedmont Avenue, as well as implement transportation infrastructure improvements, policies, and community initiatives to better link Downtown with Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, English Avenue, and Vine City neighborhoods. The Stitch is key to the future of Downtown Atlanta and supporting the equitable and sustainable growth of the entire Atlanta region.
Pillars & Goals
Estimated Project Timeline
*Subject to refinement as planning & design of the Stitch progresses
Project Plans and Progress
The Stitch Master Plan establishes an updated vision for the Stitch and surrounding area based on extensive public and stakeholder input conducted in 2023 and 2024. The Master Plan will serve as the implementation roadmap for infrastructure improvements, redevelopment, and programs needed to reconnect Atlanta's heart. The map below shows the long-term vision of the Stitch.
Phase 1: Heart of the Stitch
Phase 1 will serve as the "Heart of the Stitch" providing a mix of civic gathering spaces, opportunities to connect with nature, play for all-ages, and inspiring art and activation. Planned features include a broad tree canopy, multi-use plazas, an interactive water feature, gateway and event pavilions with food service, a multi-ages playground, native gardens, and public art.
Phase 2: Gathering & Connections
Phase 2 will be a place for larger civic gatherings and connecting to the Civic Center MARTA station. Planned features include a broad tree canopy, a great lawn with a performance stage, woodland gardens and walking paths, and a pavilion that could be programmed for various activities.
Phase 3: Neighborhood Recreation
Phase 3 is centered around providing spaces for active and passive forms of recreation. Like other phases, this section of the Stitch will have plentiful shade from the tree canopy and shade structures and paths for walking and biking. Additionally, this phase will house a playground, dog park, skate park, and lawns for sports and games.
Project History
2000s
Downtown Master Planning
Following the deaths of two prominent former mayors of Atlanta, Ivan Allen Jr. and Maynard H. Jackson, the notion of expanding and connecting Mayor's Park at the corner of Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Blvd emerges. This results in the collaborative development of a concept to 'cap' over I-75/85 with new programmed park space.
2015
Stitch Vision Plan Released
ADID commissioned a study to revisit the cap idea. The resulting plan expanded the vision geographically north to Civic Center MARTA station. This resulted in the current project extents and the project name “The Stitch.”
2016-2019
Building support and testing feasibility
ADID formed an advisory committee among funding partners and stakeholders to guide the next stage of predevelopment work. The work resulted in technical feasibility studies and implementation recommendations. This plan found no "deal-breaking" engineering issues with current plans for the Stitch and helped better understand the project's technical and cost requirements.
2020-
Awarded Federal Grant Funding and Start of Advanced Planning, Design, & Engineering
The Stitch team shares planning recommendations, builds support for the project, and pursues funding support for the next phases of pre-design and concept development. The Stitch is awarded grants from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and USDOT, with match funding support from the City of Atlanta and ADID. In 2024, the Stitch was awarded an $158M grant from the USDOT Reconnecting Communities Grant Program. This funding will allow the team to complete project design and construct phase 1, scheduled to start in 2026.
Funding Sources
The Stitch is a transformational investment requiring significant support from a variety of funding sources. To date, funding has been committed by: