City officials are working to energize Downtown, Sweet Auburn and Old Fourth Ward ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta will host eight matches June 11 and 12.

• There will many thousands of visitors visiting Sweet Auburn and the MLK center in O4W. Ways to invite visitors to hang around and browse local businesses are being sought and created.

• Azalea Fresh Market opens in Downtown as city officials work to give vigor to the area ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

• Other efforts include transforming the former Atlanta Constitution building, which has sat vacant for over half a century, into affordable housing.

  • AJC before photo

  • PODCAST “Uplifting Places” on the Atlanta Constitution building’s new 2026 outlook as affordable housing : Melody Harclerode, FAIA interviewing Architecture Firm Moody Nolan