Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Civic Center redevelopment approved by city council
ATLANTA – After years of discussion and anticipation, the future of the Atlanta Civic Center is finally set in motion. The Atlanta City Council has voted to enter a 10-year agreement with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, the Atlanta Housing Authority, and the Atlanta Civic Center. This agreement ensures that the site will continue to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act as it undergoes redevelopment.
The ambitious redevelopment plan includes an array of new structures and facilities designed to revitalize the area. Among these are an affordable senior residential building, five multifamily residential high-rises, a 10-story hotel, a 12-story office building, commercial developments, and a charter school. Central to the plan is the reuse of the existing Civic Center Performing Arts Center, which will be transformed into a state-of-the-art theater for arts and cultural events.
The first phase of the redevelopment focuses on constructing a building with 148 senior housing units on the northeast section of the Civic Center property, adjacent to Renaissance Park. This building will feature one-bedroom units, each approximately 600 square feet. It will also include a roof deck, a street-level café, a plaza, around 5,700 square feet of amenities, and 75 underground parking spaces.
According to the Atlanta Housing Authority, excavation work for the first phase is expected to begin this summer, with construction slated to start in November. This phase will also see the renovation of the 1960s Performing Arts Center, which will be converted into a cutting-edge venue for various arts and cultural uses. Additionally, a new performing arts school is planned in collaboration with Atlanta Public Schools.
This initial phase marks the beginning of a comprehensive redevelopment of the nearly 19-acre property. The master plan envisions a vibrant community hub featuring a mix of housing, retail spaces, parks, and a hotel. Atlanta Housing officials aim to complete parts of the project in time to showcase them to visitors during the World Cup in summer 2026.
Atlanta, GA
Police increase presence across metro Atlanta amid teen takeover rumors
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Popular gathering spots across metro Atlanta saw heightened law enforcement presence Saturday night following rumors of potential “teen takeovers.”
Authorities say a similar event last weekend led to more than a dozen teenagers and adults being taken into custody. In response, agencies across the metro area are stepping up patrols in several high-traffic areas, including the Beltline and the Cumberland Mall and Battery districts.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 9 juveniles, 8 adults charged after weekend ‘takeover’ event at The Battery
Along the Atlanta Beltline, Atlanta police confirmed they increased staffing levels as a precaution. An APD officer on scene told Atlanta News First that officers are maintaining an enhanced presence due to the takeover rumors. An Atlanta News First crew observed multiple people put in handcuffs and an APD officer at the Beltline said four guns had been confiscated.
Multiple patrol units were visible along the Beltline, with officers monitoring foot traffic and briefly detaining several individuals. Police said the show of force is intended to deter large, disruptive gatherings before they begin.
Cumberland Mall to have teen curfew Saturday after ‘takeover’ at The Battery
In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts around Cumberland Mall and The Battery Atlanta. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deployed its mounted patrol unit, with four deputies on horseback circling the mall. Units from the Cobb County Police Department, Marietta Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol were also seen monitoring traffic and pedestrian activity in the area.
Electronic message boards and posted signage between Cumberland and The Battery warned visitors of the increased law enforcement presence. Officers said the goal is to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s arrests and ensure public safety.
For now, officials say the evening remains calm, but they are prepared to respond quickly if large crowds begin to form.
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Atlanta, GA
Shooting causes lockdown at Mall of Stonecrest
STONECREST, Ga. – The DeKalb County Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred at the Mall of Stonecrest on Saturday afternoon.
What we know:
The department was alerted to the shooting around 12:40 p.m. Officers responded to the mall and immediately began a search of the premises. In an early update, police stated the mall was on lockdown and that no victim had been found.
A few hours later, police confirmed a victim had been located and several people were detained after running away from the mall. The injured person was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.
The mall remained on lockdown as of 3:45 p.m. as officers continued clearing the building. Police said the process could take several hours and requested that the public continue to avoid the area.
DeKalb police stated there is no further danger to the public.
What we don’t know:
At this time, it is unclear what led to the shooting or if any of the detained individuals have been charged.
The Source: Information in this article came from the DeKalb County Police Department via an email.
Atlanta, GA
The Pulse: Are pajamas really banned at the airport?
The show highlights a tongue-in-cheek social media “ban” on pajamas and Crocs at Tampa International Airport that sparked national debate over travel etiquette. The crew also covers the Atlanta Hawks’ bold “Magic City Monday” promotion featuring famous lemon pepper wings and halftime performances by T.I.. Additionally, the segment dives into Gen Z’s “loud breakup” trend on TikTok and ends with a nostalgic defense of the Burger King Whopper.
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