ATLANTA — MARTA is moving forward with its controversial $260 million Five Points station transformation project after the transportation agency and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens agreed to keep one station entrance open during construction.
This new agreement, announced Wednesday, is expected to alleviate some community concerns, allowing for street-level and elevator access, as well as facilitating bus pick-up and drop-off. The modification will maintain pedestrian access on the Forsyth Street side of the Five Points station during the construction period, which had initially raised eyebrows when MARTA proposed shutting it down completely.
The renovations have been contentious from the start. City officials and transit advocates had voiced concern back in June about the potential impact of closing the station for several months, emphasizing the negative effects on commuters who depend on this key transit hub.
MARTA temporarily put the initial renovation plans on hold last July due to the backlash. The latest redesign includes features aimed at creating a more pedestrian-friendly space. According to MARTA's plans, the main undertaking of the project will include demolishing the current brutalist canopy, which many have deemed unattractive, and replacing it with a modern, open-concept design.
It is not just aesthetics at stake; these changes are seen as preparing for the anticipated influx of visitors for the 2026 World Cup, as Atlanta is set to be one of the host cities.
The revamped Five Points station is expected to offer enhanced accessibility and usability for Atlanta’s growing population. Renderings from the March 2023 MARTA board meeting showcased pedestrian-friendly designs around the station, reflecting the needs of modern commuters.
According to officials, the cost breakdown for the project is substantial. The demolition of the existing structure is estimated to cost around $62 million, with the new canopy projected at about $46 million. Additional costs allocated for redesigning the plaza and concourse levels are estimated at $23.5 million and $20 million, respectively. The total construction estimate is anticipated to exceed $260 million, underscoring the scale of this ambitious endeavor.
The funding for this significant project is partly served by federal support, which highlights the importance of improving transportation infrastructure within the city. These renovations are expected not only to beautify the area but also to improve the transit experience for everyone who relies on it.
MARTA plans to release more detailed information about the project timeline and specific designs soon. The new agreement assures the community remains engaged as discussions move forward, ensuring their voices are heard.
Overall, the transformation of the Five Points station is seen as a necessary upgrade, with hopes of creating not just a functional transit hub but also enhancing the urban environment surrounding it.
With the construction scheduled to take several years, MARTA and the city officials are tasked with balancing modernization efforts against the immediate needs and concerns of the public. The challenge will remain to keep the lines of communication open and to capitalize on the growing momentum behind public transit as cities adapt to the changing landscapes of transportation.
While the impending construction may bring temporary inconveniences, stakeholders are optimistic the end product will be worth the wait. With its historical significance and central location, the Five Points station holds great potential for transforming how people navigate downtown Atlanta.
Everything is now set for this transformation project to not only meet current demands but also to prepare for what’s to come, particularly with the global attention turning toward Atlanta as it gears up for the World Cup. The clock is ticking, and Atlanta’s MARTA system is paving the way for the future.
