Transforming Atlanta: Brian McGowan on Centennial Yards and the Future of Downtown
A better way to be Downtown
Brian McGowan is the President of Centennial Yards - building a sports, entertainment, and business district in the heart of Downtown Atlanta in the area historically known as ‘The Gulch.’
This is a guy who loves taking on a transformational challenge. We covered the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ around the Centennial Yards development, and why every Atlantan should be excited about it as we gear up for the 2026 World Cup.
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Episode overview:
Brian McGowan, President of Centennial Yards, shares insights from his journey from public service to leading two of Atlanta's most ambitious urban developments: first the Beltline, and now Centennial Yards - which he contends could be an even more transformational project for Atlanta’s future.
He reflects on leadership lessons learned from working with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Barack “No Drama” Obama, including Schwarzenegger's approach to thinking big.
McGowan takes us behind the scenes of the Centennial Yards project, a massive 50-acre development aiming to transform downtown Atlanta's "gulch" into a vibrant city center.
He discusses Atlanta's preparation for hosting the 2026 World Cup, offering a candid assessment of the city's readiness and the potential long-term impacts of the event.
Finally, he reflects on the challenges of maintaining human connection in the digital age, sharing personal anecdotes from raising five sons and thoughts on fostering meaningful interactions in urban spaces.
🧠 Big Question:
Can Centennial Yards have a similar impact on Atlanta as the Betline?
The Atlanta Beltline has undeniably transformed the city, connecting previously siloed neighborhoods and sparking rapid densification.
Brian believes Centennial Yards could have an even larger impact on Atlanta's urban fabric.
Major global cities need thriving downtowns; Atlanta's is relatively desolate outside of major sporting events.
Centennial Yards aims to be the live-work-play draw that changes the experience of visiting Atlanta.
If successful, it'll transform the "gulch" - what Andrew Young called "a 50-year hole in his heart" - into one of Atlanta's most striking assets.
The project could answer the question: What's the thing you simply have to do if you're visiting Atlanta? What picture do you have to get?
Side note - Centennial Yards is a fun follow on Instagram. Their construction is booming!
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💡 Bold Idea:
Building for a future with flying cars
I love this quote:
“If we have learned one thing from the history of invention and discovery, it is that, in the long run—and often in the short one—the most daring prophecies seem laughably conservative.”
— Arthur C. Clarke (science fiction writer)
10-15 years ago, stadium developers were just starting to plan for rideshare. Now, you'd be crazy not to have plenty of avenues for Ubers and Lyfts.
But Brian and the Centennial Yards team aren’t just planning for a 10-15 year horizon; they want to build a project that'll endure for 50+ years.
It raises the question: what's the design horizon that makes your project relevant without being outlandishly futuristic or price-prohibitive?
They're thinking about more bike lockers & e-bike charging, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) ports for flying taxis.
The goal: Build an institution that'll last Atlanta for decades, until technology we can't yet fathom becomes mainstream.
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🎯 Better Living
“No Drama Obama” and other leadership lessons
Brian's approach to navigating learning curves: Ask people who came before, "What would you have done differently?"
He's asked the Falcons, the Braves, and other Atlanta civic leaders. It's helped him move quickly and avoid stepping in potholes.
From his time working under President Obama, the "No Drama Obama" approach stuck with him:
Things get done professionally.
No surprises or extemporaneous drama.
Operate with an even, cool demeanor that keeps things on track.
I'm in the process of launching my own new business, and I love that "What would you have done differently?" question. It's a way to "pre-worry" and see around corners to avoid potential unforeseen slip-ups.
I can only hope my team and I move with the effectiveness of "No Drama Obama!”
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Resources:
Links:
Arnold’s book - Be Useful
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Questions for reflection:
What do you think? Does Centennial Yards have the potential to be as transformative as the Beltline?
What's your "No Drama Obama" equivalent - a leadership principle you've learned that guides your work and decision-making?
Once again, please find the episode linked here: