The Invest Atlanta Board approved a $2 million Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) Grant to support the development of a transformative peace center in Historic Vine City, inspired by the enduring legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young.
The Andrew Young International Institute for Peace and Reconciliation will serve as a global hub for dialogue, education and collaboration. Designed as a dynamic convening space, the institute will bring together students, scholars, policymakers and international leaders to engage in meaningful conversations, research and collaborative problem-solving.
“My life has always been a peace institute,” says Ambassador Andrew Young. “People are different, and you have to respect their differences. We need a place where people from all walks of life can come together to learn from our history, confront our differences and provide meaningful community access.”
TAD grant funds will support predevelopment infrastructure work, including the necessary relocation of existing combined sewer overflow pipes on the property, which is critical to the design of the institute and in raising the $100 million in philanthropic capital for its construction. Once complete, the institute will honor Ambassador Young’s lifelong commitment to civil rights and diplomacy while positioning Atlanta as a leading center for thought leadership and global engagement.
“As an Atlanta native, Vine City holds deep historical and cultural significance for Atlanta,” says Mayor Andre Dickens. “This project reflects what’s possible when we invest intentionally in our neighborhoods and honor the leaders who helped shape Atlanta’s values. It’s an investment in Atlanta’s future as a global city and a beacon for equity and innovation. By supporting this peace center, we are not only honoring the legacy of Ambassador Andrew Young but also creating a space that will inspire generations to lead with empathy, understanding and purpose.”
Located in close proximity to Rodney Cook Sr. Park and Atlanta’s renown academic institutions, the institute will foster robust partnerships that expand access to education, internships and research opportunities for students across the city. It will also serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization on Atlanta’s Westside. Not only is the institute expected to generate more than $202 million in total economic impact, but it will also strengthen neighborhood identity and further establish Atlanta as a globally connected city committed to progress and inclusion.
“This investment is about more than relocating infrastructure, it’s about paving the way for a transformative project that honors Atlanta’s civil rights legacy while creating lasting economic opportunity on the Westside,” says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “Through the Westside TAD, we can accelerate development, unlock philanthropic investment and help ensure the Andrew Young International Institute becomes a powerful anchor for education, jobs and inclusive growth in Historic Vine City.”