2014 ANNUAL REPORT AND 2015 CALENDAR MOVING DOWNTOWN FORWARD PLANNING FOR UNPRECEDENTED DOWNTOWN GROWTH As a long-time supporter of Central Atlanta Progress, I’m honored to serve as the 2014–16 Chairman. Since its inception in 1941, CAP has been viewed among its peers as a convener of ideas and initiatives that spark innovation and positive change for the city. With more than $2 billion of new investment currently under construction or planned for the heart of the city, we are on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter. Over the next two years, CAP will focus its collec- tive efforts on its Be Downtown campaign to catalyze new private investment in support of core infrastructure improvements and enhancements to the business environment and overall quality of life. Now is the time to invest in our future in order to realize the full potential of the heart of the city. —Dave Stockert, CAP Chair Since its formation in 1995, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) has played a significant role in the transformation of Downtown. Today, the central city is a workplace for 118,000 metro Atlan- tans, a place of learning for more than 62,000 univer- sity students, a home to more than 23,000 residents, and a destination for more than 22 million convention attendees each year. With the approach of our 20th anniversary, we launched a detailed survey to understand the impact of safety, attractiveness, convenience, and entertainment on the Down- town experience. In executing on this strategy, ADID continues its mission of building and investing in a safe, hospitable, clean, and vibrant Downtown, and supporting the growth and development of one of America’s most economically and culturally important cities. DOWNTOWN ATLANTA is on the cusp of a new chapter, antiicapting more —Craig Jones, ADID Chair than $2 billion of new investment. PLANNING FOR UNPRECEDENTED DOWNTOWN GROWTH As a long-time supporter of Central Atlanta Progress, I’m honored to serve as the 2014–16 Chairman. Since its inception in 1941, CAP has been viewed among its peers as a convener of ideas and initiatives that spark innovation and positive change for the city. With more than $2 billion of new investment currently under construction or planned for the heart of the city, we are on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter. Over the next two years, CAP will focus its collec- tive efforts on its Be Downtown campaign to catalyze new private investment in support of core infrastructure improvements and enhancements to the business environment and overall quality of life. Now is the time to invest in our future in order to realize the full potential of the heart of the city. —Dave Stockert, CAP Chair Since its formation in 1995, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) has played a significant role in the transformation of Downtown. Today, the central city is a workplace for 118,000 metro Atlan- tans, a place of learning for more than 62,000 univer- sity students, a home to more than 23,000 residents, and a destination for more than 22 million convention attendees each year. With the approach of our 20th anniversary, we launched a detailed survey to understand the impact of safety, attractiveness, convenience, and entertainment on the Down- town experience. In executing on this strategy, ADID continues its mission of building and investing in a safe, hospitable, clean, and vibrant Downtown, and supporting the growth and development of one of America’s most economically and culturally important cities. —Craig Jones, ADID Chair APRIL SAVE THE DATE SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT APRIL 2 Opening of Zoo Atlanta’s Scaly Slimy Spectacular 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 The new Scaly Slimy Spectacu- lar: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience will provide new digs for the 450 or so reptiles and amphibians that already live at the zoo, as well as some large croco- diles and exciting new arrivals. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 APRIL 2 First Thursdays ArtWalk On the first Thursday of each month, experience the beauty of Downtown on a self-guided tour of art galleries. Stroll the vibrant 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 streets, tour historic districts, explore magnificent buildings, and view work created by local artists. APRIL 9 Peachtree Center Green Market Every Thursday through October, 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 stop by the outdoor market at Peachtree Center to stock up on local produce and other offer- ings—and support area farmers and the local economy. APRIL 17–19 Sweetwater 420 Fest 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 Enjoy craft beer tastings and pre- sentations, improv and stand-up comedy shows, and a powerhouse lineup of musical acts, including Snoop Dogg, 311, and Primus, at this popular annual festival in Centennial Olympic Park. MOVING DOWNTOWN FORWARD The New York Times got it right last year when it selected Downtown Atlanta for inclusion in its annual round-up of the world’s top 52 Places to Go in 2014. Citing the new Atlanta Streetcar, the opening of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the College Football Hall of Fame, the Times heralded the continuing revitalization of Atlanta’s city center. Truly, it was a banner year for Downtown Atlanta and Central Atlanta Progress! In addition to the opening of the streetcar and world-class attrac- tions, initiatives on which CAP worked for several years, Downtown welcomed 2,000 Coca-Cola Company employees, making the move from the suburbs to SunTrust Plaza Garden offices, now known as Coca-Cola Technology Plaza. Our orga- nization assisted with the move, which represents a growing trend of companies choosing to do business in the urban core. Another Atlanta icon, Polaris, reopened to great fanfare, following an extensive renovation that restored the legendary rotating restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency Atlanta to its former glory. The year also saw the groundbreaking for the new Atlanta Stadium, which will host both the Atlanta Falcons and a new Major League Soccer team beginning in 2017. The project will bring more than $2 billion of investment to Downtown and play a major role in attracting large-scale events like the Super Bowl to the district. Other notable real estate news included the redevelop- ment plans for Underground Atlanta. At Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, we are committed to continuing our work to move Downtown forward, championing a vibrant and economically robust city The DOWNTOWN DAFFODIL center at the heart of the metro Atlanta region. We PROJECT expanded by 90,000 daffodils in 2014, bringing the are definitely on the move . come join us! total to 110,000. —A.J. Robinson, CAP/ADID President SAVE THE DATE MAY MAY 10 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Mother’s Day Treat mom to a meal at one of more than 300 premier Down- 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 town restaurants. Choose from outstanding ethnic eateries, iconic Southern and soul food establish- ments, swank hotel lounges, and acclaimed white-table restaurants. MAY 11–17 Downtown 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Steak Week Don’t miss this rare opportunity to Be Downtown for the second annual Downtown Steak Week. From porterhouse to portobello, this sizzling weeklong promotion will feature specialty steak dishes 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 that will tantalize your taste buds and cure your cravings. MAY 11–15 National Bike to Work Week This week, leave your car at home and discover a new way to com- 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 mute to work and enjoy spring- time in the city. Dedicated bike lanes in and around Downtown make the trek a breeze. MAY 13 Bette Midler Concert 24 Don’t miss the multiple Grammy /31 25 26 27 28 29 30 Award–winning singer and leg- endary performer when she takes the stage at Philips Arena on her first major tour in a decade. INTRODUCING ATLANTA’S MOST INNOVATIVE FORM OF TRANSPORTATION On December 30, 2014, large crowds packed Woodruff Park as the much-anticipated Atlanta Streetcar officially opened to the public. For the first time in 65 years, streetcars began rolling through Downtown Atlanta, and media outlets, in- cluding the New York Times and Forbes magazine, were on hand to cover the historic event. In its first week of service, the streetcar carried 15,000 pas- sengers, and more than 62,000 riders stepped aboard during the first 30 days of operation. The year leading up to the celebration was a busy one for our organization. The first half of 2014 saw the completion of two years of construction and the delivery of the system’s four streetcars, as well as the recruitment of the operations and maintenance team. The conclusion of the system’s construction phase was followed by a testing phase and the deployment of a safety awareness and educational outreach campaign, which included the release of communications materials and a video that teaches viewers how to “Be Streetcar Smart.” In addition to addressing the city’s transportation needs, the Atlanta Streetcar is serving as a catalyst for economic development Downtown. More than $561 million has been invested in streetcar neigh- borhoods since 2011, and an additional $688 million in construction and revitalization projects is anticipated. CAP/ADID continued to leverage Streetcar investment through monthly Streetcar Socials intended to increase awareness of the project and support business along the route. A successful Pop Up Retail Program was launched to attract new retail outlets to the corridor. The ATLANTA STREETCAR, the city’s most progressive form of transportation, opened in 2014.