ATLANTA — It’s one of the most iconic buildings in downtown Atlanta housing CNN and a variety of restaurants. For those of a certain age, it’s a building that was a part of their childhood.
WarnerMedia has agreed to sell the “CNN Center” to the Florida based CP Group. Formerly known as Crockett Partners, the CP Group is the second largest office owner in metro Atlanta.
“The CNN Center is one of Atlanta’s most iconic landmarks and we look forward to embracing the opportunity to strategically transform the asset and build off the city’s current momentum,” said Chris Eachus, partner at CP Group.
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For metro Atlanta residents, the CNN Center is one of the most recognizable buildings in the downtown district. It’s been CNN’s home base since 1987 through several sales and much of the company’s news staff moving to New York City.
The building itself was finished in 1976 as part of the Omni Sports Complex. The Omni Hotel was originally part of the complex, with a retail mall and ice skating rink in the middle. For those looking for a deeper history, it also was the site of “The World of Sid and Marty Krofft” theme park reachable by a giant escalator.
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The theme park did not last long, closing after only six months.
The hotel remained for several years until it expanded, occupying a building next door to the center.
Channel 2 reporter Berndt Petersen spoke to people with fond memories of the center when it was announced one year ago it was going on the market for sale.
Petersen spoke to James Bost who’s been going to the center since he was a kid.
“My inner child has so many good memories of CNN, and even as I’ve grown up,” Bost said
WarnerMedia says as part of the deal, they will lease back CNN Center for a number of years. The company still has a large number of news, operational and business staff who work inside the building.
There was no indication what it means for the multiple restaurants doing business in the first floor food court. The food court also directly provides access to State Farm Arena for events.
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