CNN Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Center |
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Aerial view of The Center with previous CNN signage
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| Former names | Omni Complex (1976–1987) CNN Center (1987–2024) |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Address | 1 CNN Center Atlanta, Georgia 30303 |
| Coordinates | 33°45′29″N 84°23′41″W / 33.757934°N 84.394811°W |
| Current tenants | List of stores and restaurants |
| Opened | 1976 |
| Owner | CP Group |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Tvsdesign |
| Developer | Cousins Properties |
The Center is a famous building in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It was known for a long time as the CNN Center. For many years, it was the main home for CNN, a big news network. Important newsrooms and studios for CNN's channels were located here.
The building also housed offices for different parts of the former Turner Broadcasting System. Today, these are part of Warner Bros. Discovery. The Center is in downtown Atlanta, right next to Centennial Olympic Park.
In 2020, CNN decided to move its Atlanta offices. They went back to their old campus in Midtown Atlanta. CP Group bought the building in 2021. CNN's news production moved out in October 2023. The last CNN shows left in February 2024. On April 4, 2024, CP Group announced that the building would be updated and renamed "The Center."
Contents
The Center's Story
Early Days: 1970s and 1980s
The building first opened in 1976. It was called the Omni International Complex back then. Cousins Properties developed it. Next to it was the Omni Coliseum, a sports arena that opened in 1972.
For a while, the Omni International office building was mostly empty. Then, in 1987, CNN moved its main offices there. CNN had been in Midtown Atlanta before this move. The building was bought for $42 million in 1985.
Over the years, many businesses had offices in the building. There were also offices for foreign countries. The main floor had an indoor ice rink. There were also a few restaurants.
A unique indoor amusement park once opened here in 1976. It was called The World of Sid and Marty Krofft. It was inspired by popular children's TV creators, Sid and Marty Krofft. This was the first indoor theme park in the United States. However, it closed after only six months.
Changes in the 1990s
The Omni Coliseum, the sports arena next door, closed on May 11, 1997. A new arena, Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena), began construction soon after. The old Omni Coliseum was taken down on July 26, 1997. The CNN Center had some small window damage because it was so close. Philips Arena opened on September 18, 1999.
Events in the 2000s
On March 14, 2008, a strong tornado hit downtown Atlanta. It caused damage to the CNN Center. Water and dust got into the upper floors. The ceiling of the main open area (atrium) was also damaged. This allowed water to pour in and partly flood the food court. CNN's library was also affected. The Omni Hotel, which is part of the CNN Center, was emptied as a safety step. More than 400 rooms could not be used for two weeks.
The 2020s and a New Name
In May 2020, there were large gatherings in downtown Atlanta. Some damage occurred to the building's entrance and the CNN logo. The front lobby was also damaged. However, people did not get into the main common areas of the building. The logo sign was repainted shortly after.
On June 29, 2020, WarnerMedia announced plans to sell the CNN Center. WarnerMedia planned to rent their space for a few years. This would give them time to expand their Techwood campus for CNN's Atlanta operations.
On November 21, 2020, a group of activists gathered in front of the CNN Center. They were part of the WalkAway campaign. This was after the 2020 presidential election.
By January 11, 2023, it was clear that CNN would be leaving the building. CNN's control room activities moved back to their original Midtown Atlanta campus on October 30, 2023. Some weekend shows stayed at the CNN Center until the end of 2023. On February 25, 2024, CNN Newsroom and CNN This Morning Weekend aired their last shows from the CNN Center. They moved to Techwood the next week.
On April 4, 2024, CP Group announced big plans. The CNN Center would be updated and officially renamed "The Center."
Cool Features of The Center
The Center is home to an Omni Hotel. It also has a huge open area with a food court. Many people visit this food court. These include local workers, tourists, and people going to events at State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. People attending conferences at the nearby Georgia World Congress Center also use it.
Large screens around the center used to show CNN's news broadcasts to the world. Until 2020, visitors could take studio tours. These tours showed how news technology works, like Chroma key (green screen) and teleprompters. Visitors could also see viewing areas overlooking the newsrooms of channels like CNN International and HLN.
The giant escalator in the atrium was once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. It was the "longest freestanding escalator in the world." This means it was only supported at its ends. It is 196 feet long! This escalator was built for the theme park that used to be in the building. It was a key part of the building's original design. The escalator was removed in February 2025 as part of the renovations.
You can get to The Center using MARTA train service. The GWCC/CNN Center station is right there. You can also walk about ten to fifteen minutes to the Peachtree Center station for other train lines.
Places to Eat and Shop
The Center has many different stores and restaurants for visitors. Here are some of them:
- Arby's
- AT&T Store
- BurgerFi
- Cartoon Network Store
- Chick-fil-A
- China Breeze
- Dantanna's Downtown
- Dunkin' Donuts
- Fresh to Order
- Great Wraps
- Moe's Southwest Grill
- Natural's Ice Cream, Yogurt & Smoothies
- Roman Delight
- Starbucks
- Subway
- TJ's Sandwiches
- U.S. Postal Store
- Wells Fargo Bank
See also
In Spanish: Centro CNN para niños
