The Midtown Improvement District and Midtown Alliance have selected global design firm Field Operations to lead the design of a new public space at 98 14th Street, a four-acre site purchased by the Midtown Improvement District earlier this year.
According to a press release, Field Operations will lead a multi-disciplinary design team initially responsible for developing concept designs, renderings, and cost estimates. The team’s work will continue into the final design as Midtown Alliance prepares to launch a capital campaign in early 2026.
Early ideas for the site include an expansive tree canopy, a flexible performance stage and pavilion, art installations, food and beverage spaces, water features, walking paths, active-use lawns, and more. This vision has been informed by feedback from the 2025 Midtown Community Survey, which received more than 4,800 responses from residents, workers, and visitors sharing what they’d like to see in the space.
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Midtown Alliance expects to share concept renderings and preliminary cost estimates by Spring 2026.
In the meantime, interim site improvements, including grading, leveling, and installation of a temporary lawn for pop-up events, are anticipated to be ready ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches next summer. These temporary improvements will allow the site to be used for public programming until construction begins on the permanent amenities. Learn more about the planned interim improvements here.
“Great cities are defined by exceptional experiences in the public realm,” Mary Pat Matheson, Midtown Alliance Board Chair and CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, said in a statement. “We’ve found the ideal partners to help bring this vision to life – creating an iconic public space that will become a landmark destination for everyone in our city.”
Field Operations global portfolio includes Taopu Central Park in Shanghai, South Park Plaza at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, the High Line in New York, Domino Park in Brooklyn, and Tongva Park in Santa Monica, among others.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Midtown Alliance on this transformative project,” Sarah Astheimer, Partner-in-Charge with Field Operations, said in a statement. “Our goal is to create a new kind of public experience for Atlanta – a dynamic, inclusive space that reflects the unique character of Midtown. Rooted in local ecology and shaped by community, this urban oasis will bring together art, nature, and everyday life in the heart of the city.”
The 98 14th Street property was originally intended to be the site of a new symphony hall. When that fell apart, a number of condo tower concepts were pitched, the last being No. 2 Opus Place, a 53-story luxury condo tower.