A deal to sell the Atlanta Civic Center to a private developer appears to be dead, according to a report from the AJC. Mayor Kasim Reed said that negotiations with Texas-based real estate firm Weingarten Realty had to come and end because a deal could not be reached. The developer had proposed a $300 million mixed-use development of apartments, office space, green space and retail. However, Weingarten officials said they are still hopeful a deal can be made with the city.
The Georgia Historical Society and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority will host a dedication ceremony for a new Georgia historical marker in Centennial Olympic Park on Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. The marker will honor the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. The event is free and open to the public. The marker text:
1996 Summer Olympics
Games of the XXVI Olympiad
From July 19 through August 4, 1996, Atlanta hosted the Centennial Summer Olympic Games, the largest event in Atlanta’s history. In 1990, the International Olympic Committee chose Atlanta over five other cities. Atlanta attorney Billy Payne and Mayor Andrew Young were the prime architects of the winning bid. Preparations had an estimated economic impact of at least $5.14 billion. Civic leaders built new sports venues, created park space, improved sidewalks and streets, and altered housing patterns. During the Olympics more than 2 million visitors came to Atlanta, and an estimated 3.5 billion people around the world watched on television. For the first time, all nations invited sent athletes, more than 10,000 competitors from 197 nations. The 1996 Olympics promoted Atlanta’s image as an international city, positioning it to play an important role in global commerce.
After more than two years, the Decatur Dairy Queen is finally reopening on Oct. 31 at 10 a.m., according to a report at Decaturish. The new DQ is located in the Arlo building at 245 East Trinity Place.