Mayor Kasim Reed joined elected officials and community leaders to unveil the new Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street at a ceremony in downtown Atlanta today. The City of Atlanta recently approved an ordinance to rename a segment of Spring Street after the entrepreneur, media mogul, and philanthropist to commemorate his significant cultural and economic contributions to the City. 

The renamed portion of Spring Street between Whitehall Street and West Peachtree Street is near the area where Turner established some of his most prominent business endeavors, including Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and the CNN Headquarters. Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street also runs past Turner’s nine-story Luckie Street building, which houses his private company, Turner Enterprises, Inc., as well as Ted’s Montana Grill corporate offices and two of Turner’s foundations.

“Ted Turner is an important figure in Atlanta’s recent history for his vision to transform television by creating the world’s first 24-hour global news network, CNN. He has also owned the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves and is a leading philanthropist,” said Mayor Reed. “Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street will become a significant part of our history and our future. Turner is very deserving of this honor.” 

Ted Turner, his daughter Laura Turner Seydel, Metro Atlanta Chamber President Hala Moddelmog, and Founder, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc. Xernona Clayton, and Atlanta City Council member C.T. Martin were present at the ceremony and assisted with the unveiling of the new street sign. 

Turner expressed his gratitude at the conclusion of the ceremony.

“I am honored that the City of Atlanta has chosen to rename Spring Street to Ted Turner Drive,” said Turner. “Words cannot express my gratitude for this recognition. I am truly humbled.”