An Atlanta-based team at the architectural firm EDAW is in the running for the national title in the History Channel’s “City of the Future” competition.  EDAW’s plan for Atlanta in the year 2108 took first place at the regional competition earlier this year.  Now, EDAW will face off against teams from Washington, D.C. and San Francisco in the competition’s final round.

EDAW’s 100 year vision of Atlanta—formed in collaboration with architectural firms Praxis 3, BNIM and Metcalf and Eddy—is a drought-resistant and environmentally friendly city amid a forest and interspersed with lush wetlands.  The plan transitions Atlanta from its current state as a “city in the trees” to a “city in the forest” by year 2108.  One of the main reasons EDAW’s plan was so well received was that it was not only visionary but doable.  Martin Felsen, a judge in the competition and president of the Chicago architectural firm UrbanLab, said EDAW's vision makes sense in a city already known for its trees.

This plan continues to challenge us to think about what Atlanta can be and to begin to set the stage now. To see a full plan click here.  Be sure to support Atlanta’s hometown team and their vision for a more sustainable Atlanta in 2108 by VOTING ONLINE by April 28!   

W Atlanta-Midtown Open for Guests
Grand Opening May 29

The leadership at W Hotel is known for selecting the most vibrant cities around the world to locate its brand. On May 29, they will celebrate the opening of their newest property right here in Midtown Atlanta. After nearly a year of reconstruction, the W Atlanta-Midtown offers visitors and locals alike an exciting new luxury hotel destination. In addition to the 466 fully refurbished guest rooms complete with flat screen televisions and signature W beds, the hotel is also home to the ultra-plush Bliss Spa at W Atlanta-Midtown. With 4,000 square feet including a nail lounge, treatment rooms, a beauty boutique and the signature Bliss Spa “Brownie Bar,” this is the first location of the world-famous New York City and London-based spa to open in Atlanta. The W Atlanta-Midtown will also host nationally acclaimed dining destination Spice Market restaurant, as well as desintation bar Whiskey Park and Living Room lounge. Additional hotel features include "WET pool," surrounded by private cabanas, and "Altitude"—a 27th floor meeting and social event space featuring floor to ceiling glass, spotlighting the spectacular Midtown skyline.

Making Midtown Green for Earth Day
Col. Wayne Mock of Midtown Blue lines streets with Liriope

Earth Day efforts were in full bloom in Midtown throughout the month of April due to the efforts of Col. Wayne Mock of Midtown Blue and Green and his team. Over the past two weeks, Mock and his crew—including Midtown Green and Midtown community service workers—have planted 1,000 one-gallon containers of blue blooming Liriope, commonly called monkey grass.

“We are making Midtown green,” Mock said. “The Liriope plants will really improve the look of the streets in Midtown.”

The Liriope should be in a full bloom of blue and purple by the end of the summer, Mock said. Major properties have contributed to the plantings in Midtown, including Bank of America, Cousins Properties and Emory Crawford Long Hospital at Midtown. The plantings include tree wells along 10th Street between West Peachtree and Piedmont, Pine Street between West Peachtree and Peachtree, Peachtree between Linden and Pine and North Avenue between Peachtree and West Peachtree.