Implementation
Delivery of the Stitch Master Plan is currently underway! The Stitch Master Plan outlines three project phases, with phase one infrastructure improvements currently funded and in development. Phase 1 includes approximately 4 - 5 acres of interstate capping from Peachtree Street to Courtland Street and multimodal street improvements along seven streets in the project area, shown in the figure here. Phase 1 construction is scheduled to start in 2026 and be finalized by 2030. The Stitch will be delivered and maintained via a partnership among the newly-incorporated Stitch nonprofit organization, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, the City of Atlanta, and the Georgia Department of Transportation. This page includes the latest details and updates on Stitch project delivery.
Phase 1 Project Details
Phase 1 detailed design and engineering, currently underway, will collect additional public input to help further refine and define project components. Please subscribe to the Stitch newsletter to receive updates on future engagement opportunities to help shape Phase 1. Planning-level details on phase 1 components are presented in the sections below.
Phase 1 of the Stitch will construct a new approximately 450-foot bridge structure over I-75/I-85, also known as the Downtown Connector, to reconnect a portion of downtown Atlanta, by creating publicly accessible parks, plazas, and pedestrian pathways between the existing Peachtree Street and Courtland Street Bridges. On top of the newly constructed bridge (or “cap”), the Stitch phase 1 would construct new public park and streetscape improvements on the existing Courtland Street Bridge, Peachtree Street Bridge, and GDOT property currently maintained as park space immediately to the north and south of the project. Lastly, phase 1 of the Stitch will construct nearly eight miles of multi-modal, safety, and streetscape improvements along West Peachtree Street, Peachtree Street, Courtland Street, Piedmont Avenue, Pine Street, Currier Street, and Ivan Allen/Ralph McGill Boulevard.
Phase 1 Park Improvements
The Stitch Master Plan includes a park program for phase 1 based on input from a broad array of community members. The plan, shown here, includes the following features:
Expansive tree planting, with anticipated mature canopy covering majority of the site.
Matrix of hardscape and softscape areas to support diverse programming – from daily picnics, pick-up games, or respite, to markets, festivals, and events below the tree canopy.
Interactive water feature (recirculating system) to serve as a cooling opportunity and civic destination – playful and engaging for children, but also a civic feature that serves as a beacon/gateway, visible from a distance.
Building to serve as a gateway to the Stitch and provide essential amenities for visitors – restrooms, concessions, and park information, park operations, and storage space, with an opportunity to expand in size to include a full-service restaurant.
Urban gardens that showcase native and pollinator-friendly species, seasonal interest, and integrated terraces. A garden pathway weaves up the slope provides an accessible route from the Currier Street and Courtland Street intersection up to the central landscape.
Open-air event pavilion for roller skating, seasonal ice skating, daily programming/classes, or events. Small enclosed area for catering / concession and public restrooms. Spaces are “convertible”, with retractable clear wall panels to enclose for inclement weather and security when needed.
Integrated public art to serve as features/destinations, expression of regional artistic talent, and opportunities for temporary or seasonal installations.
Play area for children’s play ages 2-12, including diverse and inclusive play opportunities.
Narrowed streets, flush curbs, special paving, and integrated seating or bollards, in order to emphasize pedestrian-oriented space, slow traffic, and allow for partial closure for events on Peachtree Street.
Building and shade canopy with café, restrooms, and outdoor seating (movable tables and chairs).
Phase 1 Street Improvements
Phase 1 of the Stitch will create multi-modal enhancements along existing roadways, as well as restore a transportation connection for a segment of Currier Street that was removed during the construction of the Interstate. These improvements include retrofitting existing streets with bicycle lanes, sidewalk improvements, streetscape improvements, pedestrian crossing improvements, and converting one-way streets to two-way streets for improved access to destinations. The following figure and table provide more info on these improvements.
|
Map # |
Segment Name |
From |
To |
Miles |
Scope Description |
|
1 |
Interstate Capping |
Courtland St |
Peachtree St |
0.15 |
Includes interstate capping structure, cap park, and multimodal pathways. |
|
2 |
W Peachtree St |
Peachtree St |
Linden St |
0.48 |
Lane reduction to allow for protected bike lane from Linden to Ivan Allen (possibly extended to Peachtree St.), bicycle signals, resurfacing, sidewalk repair, streetscaping, and green infrastructure as funding allows. |
|
3 |
Peachtree St |
Decatur St |
North Ave |
1.3 |
Design may vary by segment; however, the typical section will feature pedestrian improvements, streetscaping enhancements, landscaping, and a travel lane reduction aimed at improving the safety and livability of the corridor. Typical curbing and asphalt paving and ADA upgrades are anticipated. The design will also accommodate curbside loading needs. |
|
4 |
Courtland St |
Gilmer St |
Ponce De Leon Ave |
1.33 |
Additional enhancements to precede or follow local-funded protected bike lane and bus lane project in development including resurfacing, bike lane upgrades, sidewalk repair, streetscaping and green infrastructure as funding allows. |
|
5 |
Piedmont Ave |
MLK Jr Dr |
Ponce De Leon Ave |
1.69 |
Additional enhancements to precede or follow local-funded protected bike lane project in development including resurfacing, bike lane upgrades, sidewalk repair, streetscaping and green infrastructure as funding allows. |
|
6 |
Pine St |
W Peachtree St |
Courtland St |
0.19 |
Two-way conversion, resurfacing, signal reconfiguration, sidewalk repair, streetscaping and green infrastructure as funding allows. |
|
7 |
Currier St |
Peachtree St |
Piedmont Ave |
0.12 |
Historic street reconnection from Peachtree to Courtland block. Includes Courtland to Piedmont streetscaping, resurfacing, and Courtland signal work. New connection may be for non-motorized users only. |
|
8 |
Ivan Allen/ Ralph McGill Blvd |
Luckie St |
Central Park Place |
1.0 |
Lane reduction in segments to allow for protected bike lane, bicycle signals (if required), resurfacing, sidewalk repair, streetscaping, and green infrastructure as funding allows. |
Stitch Implementation Schedule
The table below shows the general timeline for implementation of all phases of the Stitch project. Note that phases 2 and 3 are currently unfunded and advancing these components is contingent on securing additional design and construction funding for the Stitch.
Implementation Partnerships & Operations Funding
What is Needed for Construction to Begin on the Stitch?
Master planning and design work on the Stitch began in 2022 and has been advancing in ahead of the anticipated construction start date in 2026. In order for construction to begin, the City of Atlanta and its partners the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Atlanta Downtown Stitch Inc., and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District must formalize agreements and create a funding source for project administration, programs, operations, and maintenance.
Who Will Manage Construction and Operations of the Stitch?
Construction of the Stitch will be a partnership among several entities. The City of Atlanta will provide oversight over the project and own the infrastructure implemented, the Georgia Department of Transportation will manage construction of the bridge or cap that the Stitch park will be built upon, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District will manage construction of the Stitch street improvements, and the Atlanta Downtown Stitch Inc. (ADSI or "Stitch Inc.") will manage construction of the park features. Once constructed, Stitch Inc. will be the entity in-charge of the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and programs associated with the Stitch.
How Will the Atlanta Downtown Stitch Inc. be Governed and Funded?
The Atlanta Downtown Stitch Inc. (ADSI or “Stitch Inc.”) is a non-profit entity established in 2024 by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District to oversee the construction, operations, maintenance, and programs associated with the Stitch through an agreement with the City of Atlanta. It is proposed to be governed by a board of directors comprised of appointees representing the property owners directly impacted by the project, within approximately ½ mile of the Stitch park. Stitch Inc. is also anticipated to have advisory committees representing specific stakeholders that will meet regularly and make recommendations to the board of directors. Stitch Inc. will need dedicated staff and funding to manage day-to-day operations, maintenance, and programs associated with the Stitch. This funding is proposed to come from a variety of sources such as a new Stitch Special Services District, park revenues, and philanthropic sources.
What is a Special Services District and Why is it Proposed for the Stitch?
A Special Services District (“SSD”) is a special tax assessment district pursuant to Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VI of the Georgia Constitution intended for the provision of one or more of the authorized local government services and facilities within, or beneficial to, such district. It has been used to help fund several major infrastructure projects with localized benefits in Georgia, including the Atlanta Beltline and Truist Park/the Battery. Because the Stitch is anticipated to increase the value of properties with ½ mile of the park by up to 15%, the SSD is a way to capture some of this value and help implement necessary operations & maintenance of the project, as well as recommended programs and capital improvements in the Stitch Master Plan.
What is the Proposed Tax Assessment from the Stitch Special Services District?
The Stitch Special Services District (“SSD”) proposes a tax of 2 mills (0.2%) of the assessed value of properties within approximately ½ mile of the proposed Stitch Park. This would amount to $200 in additional taxes for every $100,000 of a property’s assessed value. The proposed boundary includes both commercial and residential rental properties. It does not include owner-occupied housing, nor will it assess tax-exempt properties. Based on 2024 Fulton County tax assessors data, the proposed SSD is anticipated to raise approximately $3.5 million for administration, operations, and programming of the Stitch in 2025. Once enacted, the SSD would be effective in perpetuity until modified by action of Atlanta Mayor and City Council. If the SSD is approved by the City of Atlanta, the tax assessment would be automatically applied to the annual tax bill of applicable properties.
What will the Stitch Special Services District Specifically Fund?
The revenue from the Stitch Special Services District (“SSD”) will primarily fund administration, operations, maintenance, and programs associated with the Stitch project. Because the Stitch will be constructed over the Downtown Connector Interstate, there will be specialized operations and maintenance needs that will require dedicated funding. The park will also require funding for maintenance, artwork, programming, and security to meet the vision of being a world-class community park. Finally, the Stitch SSD will help fund district programs recommended in the Stitch Master Plan such as predevelopment support, activation, and community benefits.
What properties are included in the Stitch Special Services District?
The map below shows the proposed boundaries for the Stitch Special Services District. The SSD incudes both commercial and residential rental properties within this boundary, approximately ½ mile from the proposed Stitch park. It does not include owner-occupied housing, nor will it assess tax-exempt properties. For definitive eligibility, please refer to the proposed SSD parcel list.
