mTAP Reports

During the course of the nine-month program, participants have an opportunity to provide leadership on a critical Atlanta regional issue through a mini Technical Assistance Panel (mTAP). Working in teams, participants will be responsible for sharing their expertise and advice to develop recommendations for a sponsor organization.

Application for mTAP

2020 mTAPs

FIVE POINTS MARTA STATION: TOD Transformation (2020)
The charge for this project is to explore the development potential and define the future of the Five Points Station redevelopment. The streets and blocks around Five Points are experiencing significant investment and revival. This study will determine how best to make this a station that works exceptionally well for transit riders, creates a more vital place in the city through its relationship to the surrounding buildings and streets, creates TOD opportunities and is a refined place of civic architecture.

STRANGER THINGS MALL REDEVELOPMENT: Gwinnett Place Mall Re-imagined (2020)
While this project draws its title from hosting the set for the ‘Stranger Things’ show, it not strange that within the spectrum of commercial real estate, no property type is confronting as many profound challenges as regional malls. Hence, the CID has requested the mTAP to re-imagine the famed Gwinnett Place Mall by developing an innovative framework that researches the future of retail and provides a matrix of uses that will position the study area for a resurgence.

DOWNTOWN TUCKER ALLEY ACTIVATION: Tucker Northlake CID (2020)
In order to address the lack of public spaces in Downtown Tucker, the CID is requesting recommendations for how best to activate alleys and initiate a more walkable, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly city center. From green infrastructure considerations to public art and branding possibilities, this project provides a distinct platform for advice and prospects.

BROOKHAVEN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT: Validate potential at Apple Valley (2020)
The City of Brookhaven has approached the mTAP to review the viability of establishing an entertainment zone on Apple Valley Road, define the best and highest use, and outline the likely economic impact that such a zone may have on the City. The City is dedicated to capitalizing its distinctive assets such as the MARTA station, the buildings on Apple Valley Road, and the already robust business scene on Dresden Drive in the creation of this entertainment district.

STIMULATING MAIN STREET: FCS Historic South Atlanta Redevelopment (2020)
The task is to identify obstacles and measure the feasibility of a small mixed-use, mixed-income, commercial corridor for Historic South Atlanta by identifying land use options, inter district mobility and connectivity to transit. FCS is a ‘repeat Client’ and has successfully adopted and acted upon several recommendations from the CFL class of previous years. With the approaching South Side BeltLine development, FCS is feeling the urgency to acquire and develop as much affordable commercial property within their targeted neighborhoods and is leaning on the mTAP program for guidance.

ATLANTA’S NEXT UNICORN NEIGHBORHOOD: Integration of Mechanicsville (2020)
The essence of this project is to recommend ideas to spur development, particularly with the public landowners, in a way that will revive & re-connect Mechanicsville to the rest of Atlanta. While positioned just minutes from downtown, Mechanicsville is largely disconnected from adjacent neighborhoods by two major highways and an active industrial rail-line. The neighborhood is seeking a Life-Cycle approach to explore ideas for dynamic development and renewal.

SMYRNA EMERSON CENTER: Converting Vision to Reality (2020)
The opportunity is to envision, and master plan a vacant and underutilized property near The Battery, The Galleria and Cumberland mall that is uniquely made up of one parcel in Smyrna’s jurisdiction and another in unincorporated Cobb County’s jurisdiction. The property has several challenges to tackle with respect to parcel geometry, site topography, easements, future improvements to I-285 and the Spring Road Livable Centers Initiative Plan.