Remake of Georgia state Capitol grounds largest since Jimmy Carter
Crews will soon start demolishing a 60-year-old parking deck across from the Georgia state Capitol to create Liberty Plaza, a public area with green space and enough real estate to hold rallies of more than 3,000 people.
Work has already started on renovating the Great Depression-era Department of Transportation building at the corner of Capitol Square and Capitol Avenue, and on giving a face lift to the entrance to the “front door” of the Capitol on Washington Street.
Combined, the projects are expected to cost more than $17 million. But they may be only the start of renewal of the Capitol Hill, which was once home to factories, homes and rail lines. Other projects on the horizon:
- A new judicial complex on the site of the old state archives building.
- Renovation of decades' old state office buildings near the Capitol.
- Closure or rerouting of some roads around Capitol Hill.
Go to MyAJC.com to read more about what's underway, view historic photos of the Capitol grounds and see an interactive graphic showing how planners envisioned a plaza near the Capitol dating as far back as 1910.
About the Author
James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history
