The Hawks are in discussions to "redevelop the area surrounding Philips Arena into a mixed-use entertainment district," according to sources cited in a front-page piece by Bluestein & Trubey of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Sources said that the plan, which "would involve investments of hundreds of millions of dollars, could rank among the largest commercial redevelopments conceived for downtown Atlanta in a generation." The discussions "are fluid and coincide with negotiations with the city over public support for a major Philips Arena renovation." But the Hawks and their partners "would steer private development around the arena." It is "unclear when a deal could come together." Among the ideas under consideration is a complex "similar to L.A. Live at the Staples Center." The potential Hawks project is "aimed at cementing the western edge of downtown as one of the Southeast’s biggest entertainment draws." The Hawks would "attempt to create a live-work-play destination in an area largely populated by workers and tourists." The Hawks also "envision working with Turner Broadcasting System to make improvements to CNN Center, which for many fans is the front door to Philips Arena." The Hawks do not own CNN Center and a Turner spokesperson last week said that the office, retail and hotel complex "is not for sale" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 3/8).
