The block that includes the iconic corporate headquarters of Georgia-Pacific on Peachtree Street will be transformed into a hub for residential, business, retail and community, the company announced Sept. 19.
Georgia-Pacific is calling the project “one of the country’s largest mixed-use redevelopments” that would transform its 51-story world headquarters into “a thriving center for innovation and community engagement.”
Although it is still early in the planning process, Georgia-Pacific announced the proposed project is slated to convert the top floors of its existing headquarters into 400 apartments on its upper floors. The project would include about 125,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space, about 600,000 square feet of Class A office space that will be anchored by Georgia-Pacific and its parent company, Koch Inc., about 35,000 square feet of a large central plaza and more than 2,100 parking spaces. The company also said the multi-phased development could eventually include a hotel, additional retail space and residences.
The key downtown property, which sits on top of the Peachtree Center MARTA Station, has been undeveloped for decades.
“If realized, this will be more than just a redevelopment; it has the potential to generate economic growth and create mutual benefit for the city, local businesses, their employees, Georgia-Pacific employees and our vibrant community,” said Christian Fischer, president and CEO of Georgia-Pacific. “The office landscape has changed, and we recognize that the adaptive reuse of our site and office tower can create greater long-term value. We are also acutely aware of the need for more residential, shopping, dining, and entertainment options in our downtown neighborhood, which is why Georgia-Pacific is excited to provide a space that will offer unmatched opportunity in downtown Atlanta.”
In response to submitted questions, Georgia-Pacific said the project plans are still being developed.
“As the project is still in the early stages, we’re currently not disclosing budget or funding information at this time,” said Suzanne Maynard, project lead for Georgia-Pacific, through a spokeswoman.
When asked if the project will include affordable housing, Maynard said the company is “evaluating a variety of residential offerings,” but it’s still too early in the design process to know what the final mix will be.”
The company plans to explore all potential incentive programs that could support the development.
“This proposed project fits seamlessly with the city’s broader objectives, as it promises to spur economic development and breathe new life into the downtown area,” Maynard said. “The city government, Metro Atlanta Chamber and various organizations are strong advocates for Atlanta’s economic expansion and cultural growth.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, in a statement, called it a “transformative redevelopment” that would turn “an important block in the heart of the city into a vibrant and welcoming destination” that would breathe new life into downtown.
“With redesigned public spaces, new retail and restaurants, as well as easy access to public transit, we are creating a unique downtown neighborhood that will bring fresh energy to our city,” Dickens said. “This development will draw residents, visitors, and businesses alike, reinforcing our vision of a safe, inclusive, and thriving downtown — one that is family-friendly and nurtures new talent. It’s about building a better Atlanta for everyone — today and for the future.”
Georgia-Pacific expects to break ground on the project next summer. The goal is to complete the project in the fall of 2027.
The company also did not share extensive renderings of its long-term development plans. But it did share renderings of how the street-level retail will be integrated into the existing tower and the adjacent five-story annex building.
Georgia-Pacific has assembled a team of experts to bring the project to life, including an in-house, mixed-use development team responsible for leading both the redevelopment efforts. External partners include the architectural firm of Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio; Healy Weatherholtz, the retail broker; Kimley-Horn, the civil engineering firm; Studio Saint, an interior design firm; Brasfield & Gorrie, a preconstruction firm; and Transwestern, a consulting and property management firm.
The company also said it intends to blend a modern design with the building’s historic pink-granite presence on the Atlanta skyline since 1982, with construction beginning in 1979. The Georgia-Pacific building was built on the site of the historic DeGive Grand Opera House, which was a victim of a massive fire in January 1978.
It has been decades since that part of downtown Atlanta has had a major new development.
“Georgia-Pacific’s initial plans for a transformative redevelopment of this scale in the heart of Atlanta align perfectly with our vision to reimagine Downtown,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber., in a statement. “A catalyst for economic growth, this project will add momentum to others already underway and contribute to a world-class experience and vibrant neighborhood for years to come.”
Georgia-Pacific moved its corporate headquarters to Atlanta in 1982 from Portland, Oregon. The company and its subsidiaries are leading manufacturers and sellers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose and building products. Georgia-Pacific also has long been a leading supplier of products to the lumber and building industries. It operates more than 150 facilities, and it employs approximately 30,000 people.
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