Georgia-Pacific unveils plans for major mixed-use redevelopment of Downtown Atlanta headquarters

Georgia-Pacific has revealed preliminary plans for one of the largest mixed-use redevelopment projects in the U.S., aimed at transforming its iconic 51-story world headquarters and the surrounding block in Downtown Atlanta. The redevelopment will introduce a mix of residential spaces, modern offices, retail, dining, and a central plaza designed for public gatherings. This initiative reinforces Georgia-Pacific’s long-term commitment to the downtown area and is expected to set a new benchmark for adaptive reuse in the city.

Scheduled for completion in fall 2027, the project will include over 400 apartment units on the tower’s upper floors — some of the highest in the Southeast — along with approximately 125,000 square feet of space for retail, restaurants, and entertainment. The plan also features around 600,000 square feet of Class A office space, primarily anchored by Georgia-Pacific and Koch Industries, as well as a 35,000 square-foot central plaza. In addition, there will be more than 2,100 parking spaces, with nearby access to public transportation, including MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar. Future phases could see the inclusion of a hotel, additional retail spaces, and more residences.

“This project is about more than redevelopment; it has the potential to stimulate economic growth and create mutual benefit for the city, local businesses, their employees, Georgia-Pacific employees, and our community”, said Christian Fischer, president and CEO of Georgia-Pacific. He further added: “The office landscape has evolved, and we believe that reusing our site and tower in this way will offer long-term value. There’s also a recognized need for more residential, shopping, dining, and entertainment in our downtown, which is why Georgia-Pacific is excited to provide a space that creates unmatched opportunities in Downtown Atlanta”.

To bring this vision to life, Georgia-Pacific has assembled a team of industry leaders, including its internal mixed-use development team, which will oversee the redevelopment efforts, go-to-market strategy, and project capitalization. External partners include Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio as the architect of record, retail broker Healy Weatherholtz, civil engineering firm Kimley-Horn, interior design group Studio Saint, preconstruction services by Brasfield & Gorrie, and consulting and property management services by Transwestern.

Clark Dean, of Transwestern’s Transaction Sciences Group, who has consulted on the project since its inception, remarked: “A thoughtful mixed-use project of this scale on Peachtree promises to launch a long-awaited renaissance for our city’s most important main street business district”.

The project aims to integrate modern design elements while preserving the historical significance of the Georgia-Pacific Center, transforming it into a cultural and economic hub for Atlanta.

“This redevelopment is a pivotal step in Atlanta’s future”, said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “It will turn a key downtown block into a vibrant and welcoming destination that breathes new life into the city. The project aligns with our ‘Moving Atlanta Forward’ initiatives, which focus on expanding housing and supporting local businesses. With redesigned public spaces, new retail, and improved public transit access, we are creating a unique downtown neighborhood that will draw residents, visitors, and businesses alike. It’s about building a better Atlanta for everyone — now and for the future”.

Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, echoed the project’s significance: “Georgia-Pacific’s transformative redevelopment aligns perfectly with our vision to reimagine Downtown. This project will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, adding momentum to other developments underway, and contribute to a vibrant, world-class neighborhood for years to come”.

The Georgia-Pacific Center, completed in 1982, is a prominent architectural landmark in Atlanta, known for its distinctive pink granite stair-step design. It sits on the historic site of DeGive’s Grand Opera House, later known as the Loew’s Grand Theatre, where “Gone with the Wind” premiered in 1939. This redevelopment project will honor the site’s cultural history while contributing to the future of Atlanta.