In a move that signals a new era for a famed Atlanta landmark, the former CNN Center is undergoing a significant transformation. Now known as "The Center," this 1.2 million-square-foot space is up for grabs, with office and retail leasing opportunities being marketed to businesses aiming to secure a spot in downtown Atlanta's bustling entertainment district. In a statement obtained by WABE, the commercial real estate firm CP Group announced its plan to turn The Center into a premier destination for retail, dining, content creation, and entertainment.
According to CP Group, their rebranding efforts are focused on not just commercial revitalization but also celebrating the building's storied past in media, sports, and entertainment. "CP Group’s rebranding of the former CNN Center into The Center aims to create a unifying destination for commerce, culture, and connection while also honoring the building’s legacy as a historic Atlanta landmark," Chris Eachus, Partner at CP Group, told WABE. The group envisions attracting a host of dynamic users, from top-notch dining establishments to vibrant retail experiences and entertainment hotspots, all strategically designed to pull the community into the heart of the city.
The Center has not seen such a leasing resurgence since it was occupied by its namesake network, CNN, nearly four decades ago. This leasing announcement represents the first time in 40 years that new offices tenants can vie for space within the iconic structure. Retail leasing agent Coleman Weatherholtz from Healey Weatherholtz Properties and CBRE's Jeff Keppen and Nicole Goldsmith are spearheading the task of attracting new leases. "CNN Center is known around the world, and we are already engaged with several new-to-market retail concepts to join the repositioning of this legendary building," said Weatherholtz in a statement obtained by WABE.
Atlanta's recent selection as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup underscores The Center's strategic location, positioned adjacent to the renowned Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nicola Goldsmith, Senior Vice President with CBRE in Atlanta, highlighted The Center's past and the branding opportunities it offers for prospective tenants. "As companies continue to prioritize highly amenitized, well-located office space to attract and retain talent, they would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect fit than The Center," she told WABE.
The Center, which was originally constructed in 1976 as the Omni Complex and reimagined as the CNN Center by media magnate Ted Turner in 1986, stands in the midst of Atlanta's Central Business District. It is connected to the State Farm Arena, home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, and is close to the bustling Georgia World Congress Center and Centennial Olympic Park. Nearby attractions within walking distance include the World of Coca-Cola, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, the College Football Hall of Fame Museum, and the Center for Civil & Human Rights. These cultural sites help draw over 12 million visitors annually to the area.
