Parking, public venue to be complete by December

Atlanta’s downtown is about to get a Christmas present.

The creation of a parking and public meeting venue at the site on West Hiram, which used to be the E.B. Wood Furniture Store, is becoming more clear. It should be complete by December, said Atlanta City Manager David Cockrell.

Workers last week were finishing the application of stucco to both the east and west walls, creating a huge area for the projection of movies, as just one example of what might go on in this space.

“The vision was to accomplish two goals the public suggested for the property— and a gathering space,” Cockrell said.

Vehicles will be able to park on the east side while citizens can walk up a level on the west side and be in an area of lawn, flagstone walkways, chairs, tables and flowers.

“We’ll have plenty of electrical power to the area, too,” Cockrell said. “A food truck will be able to function here easily. It’s going to be a lot about what uses the public can develop for the site. We’re excited.”

The Woods Furniture Co. at 212 E. Hiram had burned Nov. 5, 2014, after more than 60 years at this location. The family gave the property to the city, and the Atlanta City Development Corp. determined to use $286,430 of public funds to build the park. The ACDC is funded by a one-half cent sales tax approved by voters.

Another interesting aspect of the project is that no name has yet been decided for the space.

“That’s a decision for the Chamber of Commerce and ACDC committee to make,” Cockrell said.

At the south side near the center of the project, a building has been constructed for storage and utilities..

Staff photo by Neil Abeles Workers are finishing with the addition of stucco to the walls of the downtown site on West Hiram that will bring additional parking as well as a gathering space for the public. The project should be completed in December.