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Hey everyone, this is Tim Trevathan with Tim Trevathan Homes, helping people from all over the country make a move and find their dream home. Atlanta, as you know, is famous for construction and new development. And if you thought everything inside the perimeter (or ITP as we call it locally) has already been developed…oh, you would be mistaken! Because in 2026 there are so many things happening, it was hard to select just eight. We’ve got new hotels and entertainment complexes, some much-anticipated downtown and midtown redevelopments, residences, hotels, office space, hot retail, creative eateries, a new “tallest building,” expanded walking and biking paths…and, of course, the FIFA World Cup Games! Atlanta ITP is finally exciting with some shiny new places and events in 2026. And I’m going to tell you the eight new changes you’ll start seeing…right now. [Theme music, graphics]

Tim Trevathan here, and I am your go-to guy for anything Atlanta-related. If you haven’t already, please click the Subscribe button for my YouTube channel so you can learn all about the latest on home buying in Atlanta, trends, and new information, especially on the North side. Today’s topic: Eight New Changes Coming to Atlanta (ITP) in 2026. Let’s get to it.

Number one on our list is the entertainment complex known as Centennial Yards. Five billion dollars was invested to create a spectacular mixed-use mega-complex. Take a look on the map so you can see the area that has previously been known as The Gulch in Downtown. This massive development will have residential, entertainment, retail, office, and other commercial space and a good portion is slated to be ready in time for the World Cup. A 304-unit apartment complex, two hotels, 95,000 feet of retail space and an immersive entertainment venue called Cosm should be ready soon, with more phases rolling out and completed by 2030. Live Nation has also leased the music venue at Centennial Yards.

That’s right, new tenants are coming to Centennial Yards, and one we’re very excited about is a second location of the wildly popular New York bar and eatery, The Irish Exit. Kind of a big deal to give the newly revitalized downtown Atlanta a hip, fun place to eat and drink. And it speaks volumes of the city’s rising stature as a cultural and entertainment destination. Other eateries with leases and, hopefully open this Spring and Summer, include Shake Shack, Wild Leap and Khao Thai Isan. Centennial Yards is directly across the street from Mercedes-Benz Stadium also known as Atlanta Stadium to those who don’t live here, and you know what’s happening there…

Number Two on our list: the FIFA World Cup Games! We could not wait for 2026 in Atlanta and we get to play host to these tournaments for eight matches June 11 to July 19, including a semi-final showdown. The tournament will actually be jointly hosted by 16 cities – 11 in the United States, three in Mexico and two in Canada, making this year the very first to be hosted by three nations. It makes Atlanta truly the international city that it has always wanted to be. You can see the schedule and the venues by going to www.fifa.com. Now, I won’t pretend the tickets are cheap! But if you’re thinking of making an exploratory trip to Atlanta anyway, and you love soccer, FIFA World Cup time is the right time to come!

So, if you are coming to see the World Cup games, you need a good place to stay, right? Fortunately, we have plenty of accommodations in Atlanta, and for Number Three on our list, I’d like to introduce you to two beautiful and unique brand new hotels in Atlanta’s Downtown and Midtown. One such hotel is the opulent Hotel Phoenix in Centennial Yards, putting you in the lap of luxury. Hotel Phoenix is one of the most ambitious and commanding additions to Downtown Atlanta. Check it out. But if you’d like something a bit simpler, may I recommend a stylish new accommodation in town? I’m talking about Moxy, now with two brand new Atlanta locations: Downtown and Midtown. Each Moxy hotel brings a fun ambience and youthful vibe along with specialty bar that doubles as the check-in front desk. Moxie also features sustainability concepts with no space wasted! Of course, there are plenty of other, more established lodging all over Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead, but these two are brand new and ready for the FIFA World Cup crowd!

Number Four on our list of 2026 big changes to Atlanta inside the perimeter – or ITP – is changing the Atlanta Midtown cityscape for the first time in decades. Sitting at 1072 West Peachtree Street, Midtown Atlanta’s brand new, 60-story multi-use skyscraper will be completed this spring. Premier residences, office spaces, and extensive amenities, including a Sky Garden, Pickleball court, and retail spaces. It has been 30 years since anything in Midtown could be construed as the tallest in Atlanta. Fortunately, the Rockefeller Group is spearheading this amazing development with unrivaled features and luxury. 1072 West Peachtree will offer Midtown’s largest outdoor deck with expansive views of Atlanta. The tower should be completed Spring, 2026. Yes, Midtown Atlanta is finally getting a facelift.

Now, let’s go a little bit North to Sandy Springs, which now includes the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz. This move from New Jersey was a wonderful addition to Atlanta’s economy. But 2026 will usher in our next big change, at Number Five on our list: Mercedes-Benz Campus Expansions – in Sandy Springs and Midtown.

Mercedes-Benz expects its Sandy Springs headquarters expansion, which centralizes corporate functions and adds an R&D center, to be fully completed and operational by August 2026, with the new R&D tech hub near Georgia Tech. The project icompliments the existing “1MB” facility In Sandy Springs and invests in new innovation space, bolstering its North American presence. The new R&D hub is located at 384 Northyards Boulevard in the Northyards Business Park, near Georgia Tech in Midtown Atlanta. MB’s lease is for a 60,000-square-foot space with plans for a $34 million buildout. Approximately 160 employees are expected to be based at this specific facility.

This R&D center is part of a larger plan to centralize all North American corporate functions in the existing headquarters in Sandy Springs, GA. Other luxury car manufacturers, such as Porsche and Rivian, have established either headquarters or East Coast headquarters in Atlanta. Mercedes-Benz is a welcome addition to Atlanta’s economic boom.

Speaking of Mercedes-Benz, very near MB Stadium Downtown – yup, going back Downtown again – will be a new development we’d like to add as Number Six to our list: The Forge. Groundbreaking is set for mid-’26, so it won’t be really visible, but there’s a reason for our enthusiasm here: Forge Atlanta’s development team is creating the city’s largest mixed-use complex. That’s a bold statement, considering the sizes of Colony Square, Atlantic Station, Ponce City Market, and brand new Centennial Yards.

It’s also unique in that the project is being financed in part by cryptocurrency. The Forge will include 600 luxury condo units as well as a 300-room hotel, 60,500 square feet for retail and entertainment. The site is at the intersection of Ted Turner Drive and Whitehall Street just south of the old Gulch area and within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz stadium.

Downtown Atlanta’s been stagnant for decades. Finally, we are seeing some amazing new concepts for work/live spaces, along with large entertainment and dining facilities, making Downtown fun again. This is the type of revitalization and forward-thinking that will continue to reshape the city’s skyline and economy.

For Number Seven on our list, I invite you to step outside to the famous Atlanta Beltline trail’s massive expansion project. Portions of the Atlanta Beltway exist near Freedom Parkway in Atlanta but the city is working to extend 17.9 miles of the 33 mile trail, with completion of large portions expected in 2026. Locals know this path, but for those from out of town, the Beltline trail runs through the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods and offers a great way to experience Atlanta history with a scenic view – on bike or on foot. Now trail, for instance, takes us through Old Forth Ward, and Poncey-Highland. Krog Street Market is also a must-do for local, casual dining. The Westside trail highlights Atlanta’s industrial past with historic architecture and interesting modern installations. The Northside trail gives you a blend of nature and city life. The Southside trail is an up-and-coming 4.5 miles stretch through historic neighborhoods like Chosewood Park and Peoplestown. You, can also see panoramic views from Boulevard Crossing Park Gateway. Some of the trail is paved; some of it consists of dirt road. All of it perfect for walking or cycling!

Atlanta’s Beltline has been under construction to further-connect Atlanta in the hopes that most of the trails tie to neighborhoods and event locales. Target for completion of most segments is for this year: 2026.

So to finish off our list of eight big changes coming to Atlanta in 2026, Number Eight will focus on Big Concerts because some of the most-anticipated tours are coming to Atlanta and if you live, work, or can come to a show inside the perimeter, these artists touring and coming to Atlanta will be exciting!

State Farm Arena will showcase: The incomparable Lady Gaga March 4 and 5. New Edition and Boyz II Men (including a performance by Toni Braxton) on March 29. Cardi B’s Little Miss Drama Tour will be here April 17-18. Ariana Grande, right off her Wicked success, will perform THREE NIGHTS at State Farm Arena in Atlanta this year: July 6, 7 and 8. And not to be left out, Doja Cat will be be here November 17, also at State Farm.

A few more downtown shows coming, here’s what’s confirmed in 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium: Okay, you already know about the “football” in June and July.

Also, get ready for the legendary AC/DC who will perform August 27. And everybody’s favorite: Ed Sheeran comes back to Atlanta’s MB Stadium October 3.

So there you have it – eight of the most exciting changes coming to Atlanta inside the perimeter in 2026. Some of these developments will influence where and how we live for decades to come. I’m Tim Trevathan, your real estate expert in Atlanta. I help people from all over the country make a move and find their dream home. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. I would love to hear from you! And if you haven’t already, just click the Subscribe button so you can learn all the latest happenings on Atlanta and Atlanta real estate. Take care everyone. So long everyone.

SOURCES:

CENTENNIAL YARDS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gulch_(Atlanta)#/media/File:Gulch_Atlanta.JPG

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/downtown-atlanta-massive-development-world-cup-hotel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centennial_Yards