Atlanta’s 10 Game-Changing Developments to Watch in 2026

From Buckhead to Oakland City, major infrastructure and mixed-use projects are reshaping Atlanta’s future

Atlanta is entering a pivotal period of growth. As the city prepares for global attention ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continues long-term infrastructure investments, several major developments are either underway, approved, or advancing through planning stages. These projects span transportation, public space, housing, and commercial growth, with impacts that will shape how Atlantans live, move, and connect across neighborhoods.

Here’s a factual look at ten significant Atlanta developments to watch in 2026, based on public agency updates, planning documents, and official project announcements.

1. MARTA Rapid A-Line (Bus Rapid Transit)

MARTA’s Rapid A-Line represents one of the region’s most significant transit upgrades in decades. The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line is designed to connect Downtown Atlanta, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Southside BeltLine with faster, more frequent service using dedicated lanes, modern stations, and signal priority.

Status: Under development and phased implementation
Source: MARTA, City of Atlanta Department of Transportation

2. Atlanta BeltLine Crosstown Connectivity

Ongoing construction and planning aim to link the Eastside, Westside, and Southside BeltLine trails into a fully connected loop. As of 2025, multiple segments are open, with additional connections advancing toward the long-term goal of a 22-mile loop.

Status: Ongoing construction and planning
Source: Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.

3. 1072 West Peachtree Street Tower

This planned mixed-use skyscraper in Midtown is proposed to reach approximately 60 stories and include residential units, office space, and retail. If completed as planned, it would become one of Atlanta’s tallest buildings and further reshape Midtown’s skyline.

Status: Approved / in development
Source: Atlanta Urbanize City

4. Centennial Yards Redevelopment

Centennial Yards is a multi-phase redevelopment of the former Gulch area in Downtown Atlanta. The long-term plan includes residential, office, hotel, entertainment, and public spaces across approximately 50 acres.

Status: Phased construction underway
Source: Centennial Yards Company, City of Atlanta

5. Complete Streets Projects

Atlanta continues expanding its Complete Streets initiative, focusing on safer roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Improvements include bike lanes, wider sidewalks, traffic calming, and streetscape upgrades across Midtown, Grant Park, Decatur corridors, and other neighborhoods.

Status: Ongoing and phased
Source: Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)

6. Broad Street Reactivation (South Downtown)

South Downtown’s Broad Street corridor is undergoing revitalization, with historic buildings being redeveloped into restaurants, nightlife venues, offices, and creative spaces. The goal is to reactivate one of Atlanta’s oldest commercial districts.

Status: Active redevelopment
Source: South Downtown redevelopment plans, City of Atlanta

7. Atlanta Amtrak Intercity Rail Hub

Plans are advancing for an expanded Amtrak hub that would improve regional and interstate rail connectivity. The project aligns with broader federal rail investment initiatives and aims to strengthen Atlanta’s role as a southeastern transportation connector.

Status: Planning and early development
Source: Amtrak, Georgia Department of Transportation

8. Murphy Crossing Redevelopment (Oakland City)

Murphy Crossing, a long-vacant BeltLine-adjacent site in Oakland City, has moved closer to redevelopment after years of delays. Plans include mixed-use development with housing, retail, and community space near the Westside Trail.

Status: Approved development restarting
Source: Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., City of Atlanta

9. The Stitch (Downtown Connector Cap Project)

The Stitch is a proposed infrastructure project to cap portions of the Downtown Connector with parks and development, reconnecting neighborhoods historically divided by the highway. The project is supported by federal infrastructure funding commitments.

Status: Planning and funding stages
Source: The Stitch Atlanta, U.S. Department of Transportation

10. Buckhead Village Mixed-Use Growth

Buckhead Village continues to evolve with new mixed-use towers, residential developments, and high-end retail projects. These developments reflect Buckhead’s ongoing transformation into a dense, walkable commercial and residential hub.

Status: Ongoing development
Source: Buckhead CID, City of Atlanta planning filings

Curious how Atlanta’s growth could impact home values, neighborhoods, or investment opportunities? Stay informed, explore local development plans, and connect with a trusted Atlanta real estate expert to understand what these changes may mean for you.

Q&A

Q1: Are all of these projects guaranteed to be completed by 2026?

No. Some are under construction, while others remain in planning or early development stages.

Q2: Which project impacts transportation the most?

The MARTA Rapid A-Line and BeltLine connectivity projects are expected to have the broadest mobility impact.

Q3: How does the World Cup influence development?

Several projects are being accelerated to improve infrastructure and visitor experience ahead of 2026.

Q4: Will these developments affect housing prices?

Major infrastructure and mixed-use projects often influence surrounding property values, depending on location and timing.

Q5: Where can residents track updates?

City of Atlanta planning portals, MARTA, Atlanta BeltLine, and project-specific websites provide official updates.

If you’re exploring Atlanta neighborhoods, moving for work, or curious how this growth impacts real estate, I’m here to help guide you.

I’m Nadine Lutz, one of Atlanta's top Realtors and a trusted Atlanta, Georgia Real Estate Agent with Compass Buckhead, and Atlanta has been home to my family since 2003. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to help so many neighbors achieve their real estate goals, and I’m honored to be recognized with the Phoenix Award and as a Multi-Million Dollar Club Life Member with the Atlanta Realtors Association.

Awards aside, what matters most to me is guiding people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives with honesty, care, and local expertise. If you’re ready to explore Atlanta homes for sale or make your next move, I’d be grateful for the chance to help.

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