CP Group announced a project update for The Center (The CTR). The reimagined former CNN Center will reopen in 2026 as downtown Atlanta’s newest gathering space and common ground: A globally recognized landmark that once felt closed off as a single-tenant project will now be transformed into an open, welcoming destination for locals and visitors.

“This moment marks a shift in this project from vision to a lived experience,” said Chris Eachus, Founding Partner at CP Group. “For decades, this building functioned as a fortress. With the building opening back up to the city, we are reconnecting one of Atlanta’s landmarks with the people and energy of downtown — allowing it to become something Atlantans can truly claim as their own, and bringing it back as a destination that’s welcoming, useful, and designed for every day, all-day use.”

The announcement includes major leasing milestones as the landmark approaches its 50^th anniversary, marking a defining moment in its evolution and setting the stage for a new era of public use, culture, and daily activity.

At a Glance: What’s New at The CTR in 2026

12-Concept Dining Destination Launches

A fully reimagined central atrium reopens as the beating heart of the property, anchored by CTR Food Works’ 24,000-square-foot, eat-and-gather destination featuring 12 dining destinations including the soon-to-be largest bar in the city. The dining destination will become the new center of gravity of the landmark atrium, as well as the broader district connections to State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, the Omni Hotel, and Centennial Olympic Park.

CTR Food Works will be led by Robert Montwaid, creator of Chattahoochee Food Works in Atlanta and Gansevoort Market in New York. Montwaid has executed a long-term lease and will curate, operate and create an exciting new destination for sports fans, conventioneers, tourists, and locals alike. The restaurants and full-service bar are expected to open in time for the FIFA World Cup.

Confirmed restaurant concepts include:

• Full-service CTR bar, the largest in the city
• La Tropical (Latin kitchen)
• Fuzzy’s (seafood)
• Patty & Frank’s (burgers and hot dogs)
• Mimi Taqueria (Mexican)
• Flora D’Italia (Italian, pizza-forward)
• Dessert Box (bakery)

Premier Restaurant Anchor Announced

Following celebrated success in Manhattan, Newport Beach, and Miami, Mastro’s Ocean Club is now planting its flag at The CTR to serve as a signature dining anchor in an 8,200-square-foot ground-floor space. This new downtown landmark will pair the brand’s world-renowned reputation for top-tier steaks and fresh seafood with its signature high-energy atmosphere, providing an elevated culinary destination for locals and global visitors, with a projected opening in mid-2026.

Major Construction Milestone Reached

The initial $50M investment in exterior renovations and new arrival experience is complete, with CTR Culture art installations and an additional $15M in atrium work nearing completion ahead of the May re-opening.

Arts & Cultural Programming Expands

CTR Culture, The CTR’s arts and culture platform, is actively underway and continues to expand its public art, cultural programming, and experiential activations, now including brand placements and activation opportunities ahead of downtown’s time on the global stage. The arts-driven initiative is part of a greater collaboration between CP Group and The CTR alongside ASHA Advisory, a community-focused arts and culture advisory led by Neda Abghari, and Bem Joiner, co-founder and Cultural Curator of Atlanta Influences Everything. CTR Culture recently concluded its CTR Culture Media Placement Grants program, which leveraged The CTR’s three new digital LED signs, each spanning 12 stories on the building’s exterior, to provide local creators with unprecedented access to high-profile ad space outside The CTR’s main entryways and exposure to thousands of daily passersby.

2026 Global Events Readiness

As Atlanta prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM, The CTR will serve as home base for ATL House, the Atlanta Host Committee’s private headquarters and event space in collaboration with the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and is already serving as the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Atlanta Volunteer Headquarters, awarded by the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee (AWCHC). The Center serves as the base of operations for the local volunteers who are actively working to make the Atlanta FIFA World Cup 2026™ a success.

Hines has collaborated with and represented CP Group in all retail transactions and continues to lead retail leasing and advise on components of the project’s redevelopment strategy.

From Fortress to Common Ground

CNN’s departure left a palpable hole in downtown Atlanta, as an icon that once anchored the neighborhood went quiet. CP Group recognized the moment as more than a vacancy, but an opportunity. Through a city-scale conversion, CP Group is reimagining the former CNN Center as The CTR, an always-on, vibrant destination built for locals first, powered by culture, and designed for all-day experiences that encourage Atlantans to come downtown, stay longer, and come back more often.

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Leasing and Partnership Inquires

To inquire about a tour, leasing availability, production studio space, event and pop-up activations and more, please reach out to Starr Cumming or Nick Garzia with Hines. For office leasing, contact CBRE’s Nicole Goldsmith or Jeff Keppen. For CTR Culture brand placements, partnership, and activation opportunities, contact Neda Abghari.