Centerpiece for a new city district

At the edge of downtown Atlanta, a dramatic urban transformation is taking shape: A long-underused railway corridor, a zone spanning 50 acres, is the site for the Centennial Yards development. This new mixed-use district will reconnect surrounding communities and create several new city blocks. Close to the energy of Atlanta’s premier sports and entertainment venues, Centennial Yards includes new residential, commercial, and retail buildings, which, together with inviting new public spaces, will make it an inviting destination for all Atlanta residents.

At the heart of this development is One Centennial Yards—a flagship high-rise office building that will become an emblem of the energy and presence of this new neighborhood. This 420-foot-tall tower will offer 520,000 gross square feet of workspaces designed to foster creativity and collaboration. It is located adjacent to a proposed 2.3-acre park that will host the city’s New Year’s Eve Peach Drop and become a gathering place year-round.

The design is expressed as three conjoined towers, which breaks down the building’s massing to relate to the smaller-scale buildings of the adjacent Fairlie Poplar district. With large window openings created by the high-performance insulated glass unit and aluminum frame curtain wall system, the facade design evokes the industrial and railroad heritage of the Centennial Yards site.

Elevating quality of life

Health, wellness, and flexibility are guiding principles of the design. Taking cues from the new adjacent park, a series of terraces at One Centennial Yards offers access to outdoor space at every level. At the shared amenity floor, large retractable doors seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glass brings ample natural light into the workspaces, with expansive views of Atlanta.

The design team optimized the floor plates with the goal to provide column-free spaces and lease depths that maximize daylight. With 30 feet between columns, tenants will enjoy a remarkable degree of flexibility for open or closed office layouts.

At the ground floor, large operable doors allow the lobby to open graciously to the park, enhancing the hospitality-inspired lobby experience. A café and lounge provides a generous, double-height space for casual working, meetings, or stopping for a quick refreshment. State-of-the-art security considerations are integrated into the lobby, creating a seamless entry experience for tenants and guests.  

Making an impression—from the skyline to the street

With its prominence on the skyline, One Centennial Yards offers exclusive opportunities for branding and identity at the top of each of the three towers. The podium makes a strong visual presence across from the future park and from Ted Turner Drive. Integrated LED signage has been considered for the podium facade, which could be linked to event programs anticipated for the Centennial Yards district. The entry canopies, as well, can accommodate tenant signage, reinforcing brand identity at the ground level.