Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) has released new data and visuals showcasing the people, places and progress happening around Downtown Atlanta’s revitalization. Published today, the State of Downtown features data and examinations on Downtown’s demographic trends, employment and talent pipelines, real estate, visitation and the public realm, while highlighting Downtown champions and their stories. 

Providing a snapshot of Downtown’s current landscape and sparking ideas for future growth, highlights from State of Downtown include:

Downtown by the Numbers

• Residential Population: 34,041 (up 44% since 2010)

• Employment: 200,000+ total jobs across 4,268 businesses, including more than 200 small businesses

• Daytime Population: 166,481

• Resident spending: $139.4 million annually

• Retail opportunity: Nearly 273,000 square feet of retail space available for new businesses

• Office space: 18.3 million square feet, 71% occupancy, $29 per square foot

• Retail space: 2.6 million square feet, 91% occupancy, $29 per square foot

• Housing units: 17,753, projected to increase 28% in the next five years

Mobility and Catalytic Projects

• From small business storefronts to major high-rises, development projects recently completed, under construction, or planned for the next five years represent: 

• $5.2 billion in total new investment, including $1.7 billion completed as of 2024, $1.5 billion under construction, and $2 billion planned

• 7,100 residential units

• 2,240 hotel rooms

• 1.7 million square feet of commercial space

• 2.3 million square feet of institutional space

• 840 student housing beds

• $2.4 million in direct mobility investments by the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District – from sidewalks and better lighting, to dog parks and bike lane additions

“Downtown Atlanta is a place defined by its people and their creativity, commitment and connection. Every resident, worker, student, and visitor contributes to its energy and evolution,” said A.J. Robinson, President, Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. “Together, we’re shaping a Downtown that’s more vibrant and connected than ever.”

Part of the ongoing economic and cultural transformation of Downtown, The Stitch, the forthcoming park set to transform north Downtown, is moving forward towards shovel-readiness by mid-2026. Revealed today, never-before-seen design renderings showcase how Phase 1 of the park and surrounding infrastructure improvements will come to life via paths, gardens and gathering places, including an interactive water feature and playground for families. The designs are also available to view in person, via augmented reality visuals on a new building mural at the future site of The Stitch.

Project funding for The Stitch is secured, with $50 million raised to advance design and the creation of The Stitch Special Assessment District, which will provide funding for administration, operations and maintenance. Set to create a new neighborhood between Midtown and Downtown, the project is slated to generate more than $9 billion in economic value to strengthen Georgia’s tax base and bring in 4,500 jobs to the city; in turn improving access to housing, low cost transportation, jobs and community resources needed to support a thriving residential population.

“The Stitch is about more than just building a park. It’s about reshaping the landscape of Downtown, sparking economic vitality and creating a new neighborhood that people will thrive in and enjoy for generations,” said Jack Cebe, Project Director for The Stitch at Central Atlanta Progress. 

For those interested in Downtown’s latest demographic trends, employment pipelines, real estate and visitation data, you can download the State of Downtown in full.

For those wanting to further visualize The Stitch’s future, immersive augmented reality visuals are available to the public via an in-person mural and QR code on the Medical Arts building at the future site of The Stitch: 384 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, 30308.