ATLANTA—Downtown Atlanta is seeing strong recovery and commercial real estate industry watchers expected more growth in the quarters ahead. But what makes Downtown Atlanta unique? What sets it apart for tenants and investors?

After previously discussing how Downtown Atlanta stacks up against other submarkets and explaining why Downtown Atlanta is poised for a comeback—as well as how the downtown development cycle is different—this seems to be the next best question. So we asked JLL's David Horne, part of the leasing team that represents Peachtree Center, for his thoughts.

“Downtown is full of history and character and unique tidbits that make Atlanta the city it is today,” Horne tells GlobeSt.com. “The Hyatt, designed by John Portman, was the first atrium hotel in the world and at one point the Polaris was the tallest building in Atlanta.”

Along with the development of Peachtree Center and AmericasMart, he says, Portman shaped much of the Atlanta's original skyline. Now, with the Marriott Marquis renovation and the planned renovation of Peachtree Center, he notes, these iconic landmarks are being reimaged for a new generation. 

“With authentic urban environments a buzzword—and prerequisite—for today's workers and residents, Downtown Atlanta is on the cusp of a big moment,” Horne says. “It's finally starting to be appreciated for a place that offers a vibrant, authentic, 24/7 mixed-use environment.”

On top of all that, there are some older, authentic, walkable developments taking shape and getting new life. Horne points to the redevelopment of the Edgewood Avenue corridor, the Krog Street Market and the dynamic Broad Street district with restaurants and outdoor seating are just a few examples of new pockets in the downtown Atlanta market that many natives may not even know about.

“Downtown Atlanta has character and charm,” Horne says. “Its residential, retail, and office portfolio offer all the amenities of a walkable, urban mixed-use environment, with accessible transit options, a burgeoning restaurant scene and lots of entertainment. I think we've already begun capturing the mobile, educated American population, and in doing so, businesses are noticing and spaces are revitalizing, and it's only just the beginning.”