Atlanta's 'Stitch' Project Names CEO and Board to Transform Downtown

A new nonprofit organization has been launched to oversee Atlanta's ambitious 'Stitch' project. The initiative aims to transform the city by capping the Downtown Connector, linking Midtown and Downtown with a sprawling park-centered neighborhood. Officials estimate it will create 4,500 jobs and generate over $9 billion in economic value for Georgia.

The project's governing body, Atlanta Downtown Stitch, Inc., has now named its first CEO and board of directors, marking a key step forward since its 2023 inception.

Atlanta Downtown Stitch, Inc. was formally established as the nonprofit leading the project. Its inaugural board includes nine members drawn from city government, local businesses, and affected communities. Among them are representatives from the Atlanta City Council, Invest Atlanta, the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, and property owners along the I-20 corridor.

The board features prominent figures like Ron Alston, Nichole Miles-Sullivan, Jason Dozier, Tom Boyer, Granvel Tate, Craig Jones, Rian Smith, Patrick Kassin, and John McColl. Brian McTiernan, executive director of the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, is also involved, reflecting the project's deep ties to local stakeholders.

Jack Cebe has been appointed as the organization's first CEO and president. His leadership will guide the project's next phases, which include securing funding and finalising designs for the proposed park and infrastructure. The Stitch's goal remains clear: to bridge divided neighborhoods by covering the sunken highway with green space, housing, and commercial areas.

Residents and business owners directly affected by the project have played a role in shaping its direction since early planning stages. Their inclusion on the board ensures ongoing input from those most affected by the changes ahead.

With its board now in place and a CEO at the helm, the Stitch project moves closer to reality. The initiative promises to reshape Atlanta's urban core, bringing jobs, green space, and economic growth. Construction timelines and funding details are expected to be announced as planning progresses.