ATLANTA — The area around what was once Turner Field is looking a little different these days.
Georgia State University took over the former Braves stadium in southeast Atlanta last year. Now development has begun to transform the neighborhood around the new home of the GSU Panthers football team.
So far, four new tenants have moved into the once-vacant buildings along Georgia Avenue in the Summerhill District, including a brewery and rooftop bar.
Neighbors say they've been waiting decades to see these improvements.
"Quite frankly it's long overdue for this neighborhood and surrounding communities," John Helton said.
Helton moved to Summerhill almost 20 years ago. He said there were lots of promised the area would be redeveloped, especially with the Braves at Turner Field.
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"When I moved in 17 years ago there were many high expectations about what was going to happen with the Braves being nearby. Fortunately, it took the Braves moving out to spur the development."
Georgia State University bought Turner Field and in the last couple weeks development has sprung up. Right next to the stadium, they broke ground for a 700-bed student dormitory. On Georgia Avenue, opening soon a new BBQ restaurant, ice cream shop and bakery are opening soon.
Channel 2's Dave Huddleston was there when Shawn Bainbridge and his partner toured their brewery and roof top bar.
“Very inviting. (We’re) really excited to be their neighbors, and hopefully they will come in and have some beers with us,” he said.
David Nelson is the senior vice president of Carter, the development company. He says not only will this area have new amenities, they hope to bring jobs to the area.
“They want to hire local and they want to give opportunities to kids and people in the neighborhood, so they can be a part of this as well,” Nelson said.
Nelson said they are negotiating with eight to 10 other businesses.
Cox Media Group
