International Boulevard Makeover

February 8,2013

One of Downtown Atlanta’s most traveled tourist routes could get significant improvements for the first time since the 1996 Olympic Games.

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) and Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) have teamed to focus on revamping Andrew Young International Boulevard, from the Downtown Connector to Centennial Olympic Park.

International Boulevard is the main thoroughfare between the major convention hotels — including the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Hyatt Regency Atlanta and Hilton Atlanta — and top attractions, including Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center.

International Boulevard is an eyesore to many. New landscaping, lighting, sidewalks and public art could transform the corridor and improve its walkability. City leaders hope to partner with property owners and hoteliers along the boulevard, encouraging them to fund upgrades on their properties.

“We are trying to build a community along International that has a shared vision,” said A.J. Robinson, president of CAP, to make it “a more pleasant and exciting place.”