Georgia State University (GSU) will undertake a $107 million revamp of its downtown Atlanta campus before summer 2026, backed by an $80 million gift.
GSU, which enrolls more students than any other university in the state, has received an $80M grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation — marking the largest single gift in the university’s 111-year history.
The university aims to complete the fast-tracked work before World Cup soccer games begin at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in June 2026. GSU will contribute $27 million, while the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, established by a former Coca-Cola Co. CEO, will provide $80 million.
GSU will demolish Sparks Hall, a three-story, marble-facade building housing the facilities management department, to expand its public Greenway.
In 2019, GSU demolished Kell Hall next to Sparks Hall and created the initial one-acre Greenway, which students now frequently use as a gathering spot.
GSU will transform the 14 acres where Sparks stands into a terraced green space connecting Gilmer Street — which will become pedestrian-only — and Hurt Park, creating a unified central campus, according to the press release.
GSU will cover the $27M funding gap using university reserves, according to reports the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
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Additional campus improvements
Additional campus improvements include adding a glass facade to The Arts and Humanities Building at 25 Park Place and creating a dining area with modernized classrooms at 100 Edgewood Ave.
Construction will finish by summer 2026, coinciding with FIFA World Cup matches at the nearby Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The university’s initiative joins other downtown Atlanta revitalization efforts targeting completion before the global soccer tournament. CIM Group has begun developing the $5B Centennial Yards project in The Gulch, while Atlanta Ventures works to renovate 50 South Downtown buildings.
GSU continues to renovate and expand its campus, including converting the former Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field into Center Parc Stadium for its football program.
Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce CEO Katie Kirkpatrick stated in the release, “GSU’s plans will transform downtown Atlanta’s next chapter, bringing new life to the neighborhood and creating a true campus atmosphere. Enhanced greenspace and security will create a more dynamic environment benefiting students, faculty, and the downtown community.”
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GSU revamp of its downtown Atlanta campus: Project factsheet
The Big Picture
- What: Historic $107M campus transformation
- Where: Heart of Downtown Atlanta campus
- When: Breaking ground now, ready for 2026 World Cup
- Why: Creating a vibrant, connected urban campus experience
The Money Story
- Historic Gift: $80M from Woodruff Foundation
- Largest single donation in GSU’s 111-year legacy
- Game-changer for downtown development
- GSU’s Investment: $27M from university reserves
Major Components
Greenway Expansion
Demolition of Sparks Hall
Creation of 14-acre terraced green space
Pedestrianization of Gilmer Street
Connection to existing Hurt Park
Integration with original one-acre Greenway (completed 2019)
Building Improvements
Arts and Humanities Building (25 Park Place)
New glass facade installation & Architectural upgrades
100 Edgewood Avenue
New dining area construction & Classroom modernization
Strategic Timing of the Upcoming Downtown Atlanta Campus Revamp
Completion targeted before 2026 FIFA World Cup
Aligned with Mercedes-Benz Stadium events
Part of broader downtown Atlanta revitalization
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Other major projects:
Part of larger downtown Atlanta transformation
$5B Centennial Yards development
50 South Downtown buildings renovation
Various World Cup-related improvements
GSU Revamp of Downtown Atlanta Campus: Project Leadership
Institution: Georgia State University
Support: Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
Primary Donor: Robert W. Woodruff Foundation
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