Atlanta’s Civic Stars Shine at Central Atlanta Progress Annual Meeting
Downtown Atlanta will be in the spotlight on January 28th as Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) rolls out its glitzy red carpet for its annual luncheon meeting. This year’s ceremony is set to take place at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and promises to be an exciting event, especially with the announcement of longstanding civic champions who are A-Listers in Atlanta’s transformative narrative.
Celebrating Two Decades of Leadership
A figure who needs little introduction in the bustling city of Atlanta is Tom Bell. His march into the community spotlight began in 2002. With his helm at Cousins Properties, Bell brought the magic touch that taught local giants how to tread lightly and leave significant footprints. Remember the big move of Norfolk Southern’s headquarters to Atlanta? That was one of Bell’s strategic moves that pumped new energy into the Heart of Dixie.
Yet, Bell’s magic wand was not only wielding real estate gains. He was a hero of another kind. His biggest applause came when he teamed with Pete Correll. Together, they orchestrated the impossible, transforming Grady Hospital from a struggling entity into the bedrock of Atlanta healthcare. The result? A vibrant Level One Trauma Hospital that the city could rely upon.
“Tom Bell is that rare combination of dynamic business and impactful civic leader,” beams Central Atlanta Progress president, A. J. Robinson. “From downtown investments to leading initiatives, Tom’s zest for Atlanta has moved mountains!”
Reviving a Historic Neighborhood
With big dreams and a developer’s expertise, Carter USA has also drawn a new skyline over downtown Atlanta. Their remarkable odyssey began with their selection in 2015 to breathe life back into Summerhill, a community navigating the ripples left by the Atlanta Braves’ relocation.
Transforming former parking lots into a vibrant mixed-use area was no small feat. But with restaurants, chic residences, and to the locals’ delight—a much-needed grocery store—Carter USA did just that. Their work nods to a ‘small-town’ vibe, subtly whispering the harmony of new and old.
With a dalliance with excellence, Carter USA even gifted the area with a Michelin Star recognized restaurant. Robinson lauds them, stating, “Carter USA has not just brought buildings; they gifted us a delightful tapestry of life right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.”
A Vibrant Cultural Canvas
When someone mentions the vivid public art scattered across Atlanta, what springs to mind is one name: Camille Russell Love. Steering the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs since 1998, her brushstrokes have colored the cityscape with art, trumpeting community memory.
From murals and sculptures to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Love’s zest has painted Atlanta as an emerging beacon in the art world to watch out for in 2024. If that’s not artistry in leadership, what is?
“Camille brings our city to life, stanza by stanza, melody by melody,” declares Robinson. “Her invisible fingerprints are all over Atlanta’s cultural spirit, and we’re all the more fortunate for it.”
A Toast to Our Unsung Champions
As the awards night looms closer, there’s plenty to look forward to. The CAP awards not only salute today’s stars in civic duties—they remind all Atlanteans of everyone’s significant role in Atlanta’s ever-evolving narrative. Here’s to all our champions who add vibrancy to ATL’s cultural mosaic!
