Midtown Alliance Selects Design Team to Lead Creation of New Signature Public Space
11/14/25
The Midtown Improvement District and Midtown Alliance have selected global design firm Field Operations to lead the design of a new signature public space at 98 14th Street, a four-acre site purchased by the Midtown Improvement District earlier this year.
About The Assignment + Timing
Field Operations will lead a multi-disciplinary design team initially responsible for developing concept designs, renderings, and cost estimates. The team’s work will continue into final design as Midtown Alliance prepares to launch a philanthropic capital campaign in early 2026.
Early ideas for the site include an expansive tree canopy, a flexible performance stage and pavilion, art installations, food and beverage spaces, water features, walking paths, active-use lawns, and more. This vision has been informed by feedback from the 2025 Midtown Community Survey, which received more than 4,800 responses from residents, workers, and visitors sharing what they’d like to see in the space.
Midtown Alliance expects to share concept renderings and preliminary cost estimates by Spring 2026. In the meantime, interim site improvements including grading, leveling, and installation of a temporary lawn for pop-up events are anticipated to be ready ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in Atlanta next summer. These temporary improvements will allow the site to be used for public programming until construction begins on the permanent amenities. Learn more about the planned interim improvements here.
“Great cities are defined by exceptional experiences in the public realm,” said Mary Pat Matheson, Midtown Alliance Board Chair and CEO of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. “We’ve found the ideal partners to help bring this vision to life – creating an iconic public space that will become a landmark destination for everyone in our city.”
About Field Operations
Field Operations blends design innovation with a deep respect for place – creating public spaces that are vibrant, connected, and rooted in their communities. With an emphasis on natural ecosystems and community character, the firm designs spaces that bring people together and make cities more vibrant and livable. Their global portfolio includes Taopu Central Park in Shanghai, South Park Plaza at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, the High Line in New York, Domino Park in Brooklyn, and Tongva Park in Santa Monica, among others.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Midtown Alliance on this transformative project,” said Sarah Astheimer, Partner-in-Charge with Field Operations. “Our goal is to create a new kind of public experience for Atlanta – a dynamic, inclusive space that reflects the unique character of Midtown. Rooted in local ecology and shaped by community, this urban oasis will bring together art, nature, and everyday life in the heart of the city.”
The decision to partner with Field Operations concludes a three-month search process that drew proposals from nearly 50 international, national, and local multidisciplinary design teams.
“We were amazed at the creative ideas that so many capable firms brought to this search effort,” said Midtown Improvement District Board Member Malloy Peterson with Selig Enterprises. “We were impressed by Field Operations’ expertise and imaginative approach, which will be key to realizing our vision for this space. We’re excited to get started and deliver a public place that reflects the spirit and pride of Atlanta.”
Image assets of the 98 14th Street site's current conditions are available for download here.
About the Midtown Improvement District (MID)
The MID is a Community Improvement District governed by a nine-person board of directors elected by property owners, with two members appointed by the Mayor and President of the Atlanta City Council, and the City Council member who represents most of the district. The MID addresses issues of importance to property owners, including local public improvement projects and programs aimed at improving and sustaining Midtown’s competitive edge and quality of life. The MID has played a pivotal role in implementing the Blueprint, a master plan envisioned by the community and spearheaded by Midtown Alliance.
About Midtown Alliance
Established in 1978, Midtown Alliance is a 501(c)3 non-profit coalition comprised of leading business and community leaders – united in our commitment to Midtown as a premier destination for commerce, culture, education and living. Guided by a visionary master plan – Blueprint Midtown – and in partnership with the Midtown Improvement District, its mission is to improve and sustain the quality of life for those who live, work and play here. Midtown Alliance accomplishes this through a comprehensive approach to planning and development that includes initiatives to enhance public safety, improve the physical environment, and strengthen the urban amenities that give the area its unique character.