Coro Realty and Orange Barrel Media Activate MLK Parking Decks with Digital Billboard

Staff Report

Monday, September 21st, 2020

Coro Realty and Orange Barrel Media (OBM) are pleased to unveil a new two-story digital billboard on the 75 MLK parking deck, which connects downtown Atlanta to its past and present while celebrating the area’s diverse story.

Created by OBM in partnership with the Downtown Atlanta Arts & Entertainment District (DAAED), the corner wrap digital display includes architecturally integrated LED lighting accents and new channel letters. The screens will showcase curated works by Atlanta-based artists and designers in addition to commercial advertising. The effort seeks to recognize the enormous cultural, aesthetic and economic value public art brings to communities.

“This exciting partnership allows us to support the growth of Downtown Atlanta through our media platform,” said OBM’s Vice President of Development, Jibran Shermohammed. “The 75 MLK sign adds light and color to this iconic intersection and creates a virtual gallery that highlights local works of art in a new and innovative way.”

Coro Realty acquired the two high-profile urban garages, 75 MLK and 95 MLK, on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive last year. The garages are across the street from numerous office buildings, including the Fulton County courthouse and the Georgia State Capitol complex, and are within walking distance of billions of dollars of planned development. 

“We were interested in ways to update and activate the exterior of these well-located parking garages, and we are excited about our partnership with Orange Barrel Media. OBM has extraordinary vision to showcase the work of local artists in an interesting and meaningful way,” said Samuel T. Wilmoth, Vice President, Coro Realty. “We hope this display will become identifiable with downtown Atlanta as the market continues to grow and thrive.” 

OBM and ZuCot Gallery will jointly curate the works on display. Located in the historic Castleberry Hill district of downtown Atlanta, ZuCot Gallery is the largest African-American owned fine art gallery in the Southeast. Tracy Murrell is the first artist whose work is being showcased. An Atlanta-based visual artist, her work has been in numerous group, solo, and juried exhibitions and has been featured in art publications, including Create! Magazine, ArtVoices Magazine, and Studio Visit Magazine. 

"We are excited about the opportunity to showcase artists like Tracy who focus an attention not only to a visually pleasing aesthetic, but also to an all-encompassing narrative of exploration, growth, and inner strength that can be seen throughout her work," said Onaje M. Henderson, Partner, ZuCot Gallery.