Report: Fuqua Might Want Piece of Underground Pie (Atlanta, Glenwood: sale, 2014)

[thebigATL]

This past weekend, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution compiled a thoughtful report on the prospects of downtown's beleaguered subterranean mall, revealing that Mayor Kasim Reed and Co. plan to field proposals from developers soon and score them based on financial considerations and the strength of each vision. Among those quoted was prolific Atlanta developer and Glenwood Park darling Jeff Fuqua, who said his firm might be interested in acquiring Underground Atlanta, especially if the city provides incentives. And it sounds like Fuqua would prefer to work with a clean slate. "Sometimes the best redevelopment of the project is demolishing it," Fuqua told the AJC. (We can't help but wonder what the New Underground would look like, built entirely by Fuqua). Other visions tallied by the newspaper's sources include a hotel, office spaces, arts campus or student housing. But could that old troublesome Atlanta edict — "Hey, something beats nothing" — already be rearing its head?
Of revitalization and balance sheets. >>
Contrary to what some have hoped, Reed told the newspaper the city's unloading of underground is more about fiscal prudence than a grand revitalization of downtown. While he's mentioned a preference for "university energy" to replace the ailing commercial strip, Reed said the sale of the former City Hall East should be a model, though it could become "a ball field" for all he cares, so long as it thrives on someone else's dime.

The newspaper points out that downtown is in the midst of a wave of new investment not seen since the 1996 Olympics, and some feel a recovering economy and heightened interest in urban living could signal that the universe is aligning for Underground. Finally. Maybe.


http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2...d-pie.php#more






I'm surprised a lot of these developers want to purchased the underground.

[red92s]

Ain't a pie in this town that guy doesn't want his fingers in.

[nature's message]

Fuq no.

[afdinatl]

April Fool joke??

[CCATL]

Please, keep Fuqua away from ANY project that is supposed to enhance urban life. When developers answer proposals, I hope some criteria is that they have experience in creating successful urban projects, similar to Jamestown and Ponce City Market. I'm not saying that Underground should be a similar development, but rather that the developer has the track record that came with Jamestown.

[cqholt]

As much as I hate what Fuqua tried to do in Glenwood Park, we should at least listen to his proposal before bailing on him.

[Gulch]

Originally Posted by afdinatl

April Fool joke??

Wouldn't surprise me.

[tikigod311]

This would be a mean joke.

He's already thinking of tearing it down? GOOD LORD I DONT LIKE THIS MAN

[Ant131531]

I guess it's going to be turned into a huge parking lot.

[arjay57]

It would be a great spot for the 24 hour Walmart this city is lacking.

There are a lot of people living and working downtown these days.