Five Points MARTA Station Update – The MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) Makeover project is a prime example of how urban design can transform public spaces and improve communities. TSW, an architecture and planning firm, was tasked with identifying ways to revitalize MARTA stations throughout Atlanta and make them more accessible, attractive, and functional.

One of the key recommendations of the MARTA Makeover project was to activate underutilized plazas at both Five Points and Garnett Stations. The top plaza at Five Points was mostly closed off to public use for 30 years, making it an uninviting and unappealing space. However, TSW saw great potential in this space and proposed several initiatives to make it more engaging and useful for the community.

One of the most successful projects was the creation of community gardens and Station Soccer on the top plaza at Five Points. Community gardens have become increasingly popular in cities around the world, and for good reason. They offer a space for individuals and groups to connect with nature, grow their own food, and build a sense of community. By incorporating community gardens into the top plaza at Five Points, TSW was able to provide a unique and valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.

Another successful project on the top plaza at Five Points was Station Soccer. This initiative involves turning underutilized urban spaces into mini soccer fields, providing a place for community members to engage in physical activity and socialize with one another. Station Soccer has been a huge hit at Five Points, drawing players from all over the city and contributing to the overall vibrancy of the plaza.

The success of these initiatives is evident in the recent photos of the Five Points Station area. Thanks to Central Atlanta Progress for the bottom two photos, which show a vibrant and active public space that is being enjoyed by the community. The transformation of the top plaza at Five Points is a testament to the power of urban design and the value of investing in public spaces.

In conclusion, TSW’s MARTA Makeover project is a remarkable example of how small changes can have a big impact on urban communities. By activating underutilized plazas at both Five Points and Garnett Stations, TSW was able to provide valuable resources for residents and visitors while also making the stations more attractive and functional. The success of the community gardens and Station Soccer at Five Points demonstrates how simple initiatives can engage the surrounding community and make a transit station a destination. We hope to see more initiatives like this in cities around the world, as urban design has the power to transform public spaces and improve quality of life for all.