Along with national recognition, Midtown just got some serious local bragging rights.
The 1.2-square-mile commercial business district was named on a list of five "Great Places in America" by the American Planning Association, which cited attributes such as unique historic architecture, a focus on environmental sustainability and events like Music Midtown.
Mayor Kasim Reed said the city is honored to be recognized.
“Midtown Atlanta is home to world-class companies, and is marked by its cultural attractions, higher education institutions and noteworthy architecture,” Reed said in a news release. “This award is not just a win for the city of Atlanta and its partners, but also for the 65,000 daytime workers, 15,000 residents and more than 6 million annual visitors of this thriving community.”
The APA also recognized neighborhoods in California, Kentucky, New Mexico and Rhode Island.
Midtown Alliance CEO Kevin Green said the neighborhood has benefited greatly from its community planning process.
“We are excited about this shared win for the city of Atlanta, public and private sector partners and allied organizations who have worked hard to create a vibrant community in Midtown,” Green said in the release.
Midtown Alliance will host an outdoor pop-up community party at 10th Street and Peachtree Street on Tuesday at 4 p.m., where Mayor Reed will accept the award from the APA on behalf of the city and Midtown Alliance.
The nonprofit is also launching a community video contest looking for "the most creative entries exploring what people value about Midtown Atlanta." The first place winner, decided by a panel of judges, will receive a $750 cash prize; the People's Choice winner will walk away with $300. Entries are due by Dec. 9.
- Active development construction projects underway: 20
- Projects that have been formally proposed: 20
- Jobs that have been announced in the past 18 months: More than 8,000
- Recently-delivered or under-construction residential units: More than 5,500
- Percent of 3,500 Midtown residents, workers and visitors who feel a strong sense of community, according to a recent Midtown Alliance survey: 82
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