The Atlanta Beltline is transforming Atlanta, and this year — the 10th in the 25-year project — it is enjoying its largest year of construction so far, says Paul Morris, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline Inc.
The Atlanta Beltline will ultimately connect 45 intown neighborhoods with a combination of rail, trails, greenspace, parks, housing, public art and economic development along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown. Pedestrian-friendly rail transit and about 33 miles of multi-use trails will follow along the corridor, and will revitalize struggling Atlanta neighborhoods.
“I like to say we are rebuilding the city from the inside out,” said Morris. “I am honored to be part of a project that will benefit so many neighborhoods by creating jobs, bring in affordable housing, and create new recreation facilities for the community residents. This will eventually create a light that will shine on the communities, Atlanta, and the state as a whole. The goal is to create value and benefit for every community along the Beltline, and become a model for the country.”
Four trail segments of the Beltline are open, six new or renovated parks are already being enjoyed by the public, and affordable housing has become home to a number of residents. But that’s just the beginning. According to Morris, there’s currently over $50 million in construction work taking place on the Beltline — on a 3-mile stretch on the west side and a 1-mile stretch on the east side. They have also recently entered into the design stage for a 4-mile stretch on the south side that will connect the east and west corridors.
“This is the largest, most significant year we have had with the project since it began,” said Morris. “It’s great to see it all coming together.”
The goal is to have the project completed in 2030.
Part of the plan, which grew out of a master’s thesis by Georgia Tech student Ryan Gravel, is to restore and maintain many of the historic remnants from when the rail was active. Some of this includes building new homes and creating jobs along the corridor. The project will produce about $10-$20 billion in economic development, Morris said.
The corridor also lends itself to a canvass of public art. And each year, Atlanta Beltline Inc sponsors a two-month contest — inviting artists to create murals and other creative art exhibits along the trails.
“Through this, people are given the rare opportunity to view art in the public art form,” he said.
The art show and exhibit opens right after Labor Day and runs to November.
With six parks already open along the Beltline, work is underway on another 17-acre park. And planning and design will get under way in the fall for Westside Park, which will encompass over 300 acres and will be the “city’s largest park.”
Funding for the Atlanta Beltline project comes from a combination of sources including: tax allocation district funds, and federal, state, local and private sources. Morris said he is also working with city officials to put a tax measure on the ballot that would provide funding to build out the Beltline. One-half cent would be allocated to transit and another half-cent would be for the development of the trails, Morris said.
“This is a massive, ambitious project,” said Morris. “It’s 20 percent of the city — so it comes with some bumps. But when it is complete, it will shine a light on Atlanta and be a model for the country.”
