Peoplestown has a new front porch.
On Monday morning, community leaders, neighbors, and small business owners gathered to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of Terminal South — a mixed-use destination that brings restaurants, retail, creative workspaces, and more than 250 jobs to the historic Southside neighborhood.
What began as a promise in 2024, with hard hats and shovels in the dirt, is now a vibrant hub designed to serve both longtime residents and new visitors alike.
A Historic Site, Reimagined
Located at 1161 Ridge Avenue SW, Terminal South sits directly across from the Southside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine and will serve as the final stop on the city’s first-ever bus rapid transit line, MARTA Rapid, launching later this spring.
The development features the adaptive reuse of two former warehouse structures, introducing approximately 45,625 square feet of mixed-use space. At its heart is Switchman Hall, a food hall featuring 18 unique concepts, alongside retail shops and creative office spaces.
Mayor Andre Dickens, who returned to the site for the ribbon cutting after attending the groundbreaking in 2024, reflected on the transformation.
“Terminal South is a big deal for this neighborhood and for Atlanta,” Mayor Dickens said. “This is what we mean when we say we want Atlanta to be a city of opportunity for all.”
Opportunity Close to Home
Beyond dining and retail, the project represents a major economic investment in Peoplestown — a historically Black neighborhood with deep roots and a strong community voice.
More than 250 jobs will ultimately be created through Terminal South, many connected to locally and minority-owned businesses operating inside Switchman Hall.
Developments like this, located steps from transit and the BeltLine, create pathways to opportunity. Residents can live nearby, walk to work, build their own businesses, and connect to other parts of the city through MARTA and trail access.
As a board member of the Atlanta BeltLine, Mayor Dickens highlighted the significance of Terminal South’s proximity to the Southside Trail and the future MARTA Rapid line — a connection that will tie downtown, Summerhill, and Peoplestown together in new ways.
Investing in Atlanta’s Youth
One of the most unique features of Terminal South goes beyond storefronts and square footage.
Every tenant at Terminal South is required to contribute to a need-based scholarship fund for students who live in Peoplestown — with the developer matching those contributions. The fund will support local students as they pursue higher education and career goals.
That commitment reflects a broader citywide focus on youth development and long-term investment in Atlanta’s next generation.
When businesses invest not just in property, but in people, the impact reaches far beyond a single building.
A Destination for Neighbors and Visitors
Terminal South has already earned attention, named “Best New Southside Food Hall and More” in Atlanta Magazine’s 2025 Best of Atlanta issue, putting Peoplestown firmly in the conversation as a destination.
The location also positions the neighborhood to benefit from major upcoming events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With thousands of new homes and hotel rooms within walking distance — and transit connectivity expanding — developments like Terminal South help ensure that global moments translate into local opportunity.
“We want events to happen with Atlanta, not to Atlanta,” Mayor Dickens said. “Terminal South will be one of the places we’re proud to point visitors to.”
What’s Next
With the ribbon officially cut, Terminal South is now open and welcoming residents, families, and visitors.
Community members are encouraged to stop by Switchman Hall, support local businesses, and experience the new space firsthand.
For more information about vendors, events, and hours, visit Terminal South’s official website.
