How an Abandoned Terminal Became Atlanta's Thriving Small Business Hub

Five years ago, an abandoned trucking terminal south of I-20 was reborn as a business and community hub called Pittsburgh Yards. This 15-acre site has since helped spur the development of the Southside Beltline and brought new businesses and visitors to a historically neglected part of Atlanta.

Now, Pittsburgh Yards looks to stay rooted in its mission to serve its community while embracing the future as a city gearing up for the World Cup.

A Catalyst for Community Development

The site, which was originally a trucking terminal, became an abandoned agricultural building by the 1990s. It was built by the Black Founders of Atlanta in 1881, giving it a rich industrial history. In 2016, the Annie E. Casey Foundation purchased the site for $5 million, offering affordable access to a 16,000-square-foot building that breathes life into the hub by bringing commercial working-class entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Chantell Glenn, executive director of the Casey Foundation, said, "Our mission is to support generations through wealth-building, entrepreneurship creation, and association."

Breaking Ground with Community Input

During the Casey Foundation's 12 years of planning, it took time to break ground with constant development. It was an example of how to do real estate planning with local meetings, ensuring the site was right for residents.

Stephanie Flowers, a 40-year community resident, said, "I just knew in my family that it was like a new leaf. Then, it was years."

But Flowers, who participated in the community-led planning, believes the process surprised everyone with its purposeful, principled planning. The Nia Building at Pittsburgh Yards helped give the community a main mission point.

Keiyonna Rollins, co-operator of Pittsburgh Yards, said, "It's a beautiful, authentic, classy-designed community space that also allows for an adaptable, entrepreneurial tenant."

Flowers Glenn said the Southside Beltline in December 2020 accelerated access, and the hub is next to complete the next opening point.

2025 and Beyond: Embracing Growth

This year, the hub has brought both good and bad business. Pittsburgh Yards has continued to grow a group of tenants, including businesses at a container shipping terminal related to the Beltline.

Lakeisha Jones, owner of Pink Pothos, said, "I decided to get a permanent show space. I think up to what I want, who I want to represent."

Michael Leahy, executive director of the Volunteer Atlanta Foundation, said, "It's free from its legal move to provide office services, support tenants, and direct communities close to downtown exclusive families."

After the VLAF approached Pittsburgh Yards, explaining down to conducting as an individual, he was approached by a slow social virus someone, not long noticed. He said, "That would be working, there, than what we were."

But at December, Pittsburgh Yards has been as a business by early deal economy but fell for 90% occupancy rate, with small slowing. Glenn said, "It's inspiration for better businesses as entrepreneurs and more small business owners providing support to taking them."

Flowers said, "Because entrepreneurs are still focused on finding their place out role, some still feel hope how included residents can become businesses added to Pittsburgh Yards."

As the World Cup heads to the city, especially descending development events, keeping front future like major mind, mission on original plans. Glenn said, "How to make it from getting supposed to be a destination but away? (Pittsburgh Yards)"

Ultimately, build back business care families could: for history goes land it took students originally to train their use. Glenn said, "I hope impact leaves land for entrepreneurship and a Black place purpose people remember return scaling."

— Contributed by staff writer Hannah Zachary