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CNN Center
CNN Center
CNN Center
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The Center, formerly and still commonly called the CNN Center, is the former international headquarters of U.S. cable network CNN in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. The main newsrooms and studios for several of CNN's news channels were located in the building. The facility's commercial office space was occupied by various units of the former Turner Broadcasting System, now part of Warner Bros. Discovery. The Center is located in downtown Atlanta adjacent to Centennial Olympic Park.

Key Information

In 2020, CNN announced that it would relocate its Atlanta operations back to the Turner Broadcasting Techwood campus in Midtown Atlanta. The One CNN Center office building was acquired by CP Group in 2021.[1] Production activities moved back in October 2023, while the last of CNN's domestic programs moved in February 2024.

On April 4, 2024, CP Group announced that CNN Center would be renovated, and was in the process of being rebranded as "The Center."[2]

History

[edit]

1970s and 1980s

[edit]

The building opened in 1976 as the Omni International Complex, a development by Cousins Properties. The Omni Coliseum, an NBA and NHL arena adjacent to the Omni International, had opened three years earlier, on October 14, 1972.[3] The Omni International office building was largely vacant until CNN moved its headquarters there in 1987 from its Midtown Atlanta site (old home of the Progressive Club on 1050 Techwood Drive and home to Turner Broadcasting System).[4] The building was bought for $42 million in 1985.[5]

Over the years, the building had provided office space to various business tenants, as well as foreign consulates. The main floor featured an indoor ice rink, as well as a small number of restaurants and a Gold Mine video arcade. Sid and Marty Krofft built an indoor amusement park called The World of Sid and Marty Krofft, inspired by the creations of these popular children's television producers. Opened in 1976, it was the first indoor theme park in the United States, but it closed within six months. The complex also featured a multi-screen movie theater. For years, the theater offered daily showings of the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, which Ted Turner called "The greatest movie ever made".[6]

1990s

[edit]
Interior view

On May 11, 1997, the Omni Coliseum closed. Its replacement, Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena), broke ground on June 5, 1997. The Omni Coliseum was imploded on July 26, 1997, with the CNN Center taking on minor exterior window damage due to its close distance to the Omni Coliseum. Because of this, the CNN Center was expected to be damaged.[7] Philips Arena opened on September 18, 1999.

2000s

[edit]

On April 4, 2007, Arthur Mann, an employee at the Omni Hotel, shot and severely injured his ex-girlfriend Clara Riddles inside the CNN Center. The adjacent CNN.com newsroom was evacuated shortly after the first shots were heard. Mann was confronted and shot by a Turner Security Officer, and both Riddles and Mann were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Riddles later died of her injuries. An autopsy showed that Riddles was shot three times by Mann. The motive of the shooting is unknown.[8][9]

See also: 2008 Atlanta tornado outbreak

On March 14, 2008, an EF-2[10] tornado passed through downtown Atlanta, damaging the CNN Center and leaving water and dust in the upper floors. The ceiling of the atrium was also damaged, allowing water to pour in and partially flood the food court. CNN's library was damaged, although it was not immediately known how much of its archives were damaged.[11] Numerous injuries and widespread damage were reported overall. The Omni Hotel, attached to the CNN Center, was evacuated as a precaution, and more than 400 rooms had to be emptied of occupancy for two weeks.

2010s

[edit]
Final logo as CNN Center

On June 13, 2014, a car crashed into the CNN Center, causing minor structural damage.[12] The driver claimed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, and was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of marijuana.[13]

Disinvestment from Omni Hotel

[edit]

In 2016, the chief financial officer (CFO) Pascal Desroches of Turner said the company would divest its 50% stake in the center's Omni Hotel in favor of redeveloping its Techwood campus in Atlanta. This is where other Turner broadcast operations are based.[14]

2020s

[edit]
Main article: George Floyd protests in Atlanta

On May 29, 2020, the CNN Center became the scene of rioting in response to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, four days earlier, as the building also houses a Zone 5 police precinct for the Atlanta Police Department. Rioters graffitied the CNN logo in the front of the building and caused property damage to the building's entrance glass curtain wall and APD vehicles; the front lobby was damaged, though protesters never breached into the core common area of the building, with the logo sign repainted shortly thereafter.[15][16]

On June 29, 2020, exactly a month after the incident, WarnerMedia announced plans to sell the CNN Center. Once sold, WarnerMedia will continue to lease their existing space for several years until the Techwood campus, previously occupied by CNN until 1987, is expanded to accommodate CNN's Atlanta operations.[17]

On November 21, 2020, a group of right-wing activists organized by the WalkAway campaign gathered in front of the CNN Center. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won the state's 16 electoral votes, the first Democrat to win the state since Bill Clinton in 1992. The protesters were inspired by claims of voter fraud.[18]

On January 11, 2023, it was reported that CNN would be leaving the CNN Center before the end of 2023.[19] CNN control room activities moved back to CNN's original Midtown Atlanta campus on October 30, 2023. Several weekend shows would continue to be based at CNN Center through the end of 2023.[20] On February 25, 2024, CNN Newsroom and CNN This Morning Weekend aired their final broadcasts from the CNN Center, and moved to Techwood the following week.[21]

On April 4, 2024, CP Group announced that CNN Center would be renovated and rebranded as "The Center."[2]

Features

[edit]
CNN Atlanta Newsroom
Inside CNN Studio Tour check-in

The CNN Center also houses an Omni Hotel and features a large atrium food court frequented by local business employees, tourists, attendees at State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium events, and conference attendees from the nearby Georgia World Congress Center.

CNN's multi-channel output to the world is broadcast on large screens around the center. Until 2020, studio tours were available and included demonstrations of technologies, such as Chroma key and teleprompters, as well as visits to viewing galleries overlooking the newsrooms and anchors of CNN International, HLN, CNN 10, and CNN en Español.

The atrium escalator used to first transport visitors to The World of Sid and Marty Krofft and later to the CNN tour has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "longest freestanding (supported only at the ends) escalator in the world"; it is 196 feet (60 m) long.[22] Built for the theme park that once occupied the building, it is part of the building's original structure, making it very hard to remove. The steel exoskeleton remains, but the escalator was removed the week of February 24, 2025 as a part of the renovations transitioning the building from "The CNN Center" to "The Center."

MARTA rail service is provided to the CNN Center at the GWCC/CNN Center station. Access to the Red and Gold lines may be gained by a ten-fifteen minute walk to Peachtree Center station.

List of tenants

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

CNN Center

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The CNN Center is a prominent mixed-use complex located in , Georgia, along Centennial Olympic Park Drive, which functioned as the world headquarters for the Cable News Network () from 1987 until the network's relocation to in 2023. Originally developed as part of the Omni International complex in the 1970s, including a short-lived theme park, the site was acquired by media entrepreneur in 1985 and repurposed to accommodate 's expanding studios, offices, and broadcast facilities, playing a pivotal role in the revitalization of . The complex features distinctive architectural elements, such as the world's longest freestanding escalator spanning 193 feet over eight stories, and served as a major tourist destination through guided CNN studio tours that drew up to 300,000 visitors annually before their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its atrium, food court, and prominent red CNN logo made it a recognizable landmark and selfie spot, while also hosting live broadcasts like the talk show Talkback Live. Following CNN's departure, the 1.2 million-square-foot property underwent in 2024 as , with plans to transform it into a multifaceted hub emphasizing retail, dining, , , and office spaces to sustain its status as a vibrant destination.

History

Planning and Construction (1970s)

In the early 1970s, real estate developer , in partnership with Maurice Alpert, initiated planning for the Omni International Complex as a multifaceted and commercial development in , intended to function as a "city within a " and spur urban revitalization amid the area's post-1960s stagnation. The project encompassed an arena, hotel, office towers, retail spaces, and amusement facilities, with site selection adjacent to existing infrastructure to leverage proximity to transportation and event venues like the under concurrent development. Construction commenced on the core Omni Coliseum in 1971, with the arena—featuring a distinctive tensile membrane roof and Cor-Ten steel exterior—opening in October 1972 to host sports and events, seating up to 16,378. Expansion phases followed, incorporating two 14-story office buildings by March 1975 and a 26-story tower, culminating in the full complex's opening on January 17, 1976, at a total cost of about $80 million. Architectural contributions included designs by John Portman & Associates for key elements like the hotel and atrium spaces, emphasizing inward-facing, enclosed environments with escalators and skybridges to foster pedestrian connectivity within the 1.2 million square feet of mixed-use space for offices, , and retail. This integration prioritized self-contained functionality to draw visitors and counteract downtown's perceived decline, though early operations highlighted amusement over media uses.

Opening and Early Operations (1980s)

The CNN Center commenced operations in the summer of 1987 following the relocation of headquarters from its original Techwood Drive facility in , where the 24-hour news channel had launched on June 1, 1980. , who founded , acquired the existing Omni International Complex—including its hotel and office components—in 1985 for repurposing, renaming it CNN Center to centralize the network's growing studios, newsrooms, and administrative functions amid rapid expansion in cable news viewership. This shift positioned as the anchor tenant, with units occupying key office spaces to support integrated media production. The facility's activation integrated seamlessly with the adjacent Omni Hotel, providing direct pedestrian linkages that enhanced accessibility for staff, visitors, and convention attendees tied to the neighboring . Early operational features emphasized functionality for broadcast journalism, including dedicated studios equipped for live news feeds and control rooms that enabled round-the-clock programming without the constraints of the prior Midtown site. CNN Headline News initiated its first broadcasts from the new CNN Center studios on July 13, 1987, exemplifying the infrastructure's immediate capacity for multi-channel output. The atrium emerged as a core public-facing element from opening, functioning as an open-access food court and gathering space that drew local pedestrians and early tourists for informal views of news operations, fostering CNN's image as an approachable media hub. This design choice supported initial tenant synergies within Turner properties, though specific occupancy metrics for non-CNN spaces in 1987 remain undocumented in contemporaneous reports; the center's activation nonetheless aligned with broader efforts to invigorate downtown Atlanta's commercial core post-Omni Coliseum era.

Expansions and Corporate Changes (1990s–2000s)

In October 1996, Time Warner completed its acquisition of for $7.57 billion, integrating 's operations, including those at the CNN Center, into a larger structure. This merger positioned the CNN Center as a key asset for consolidated production of news and entertainment content, with Turner units such as , , and Headline News continuing to utilize the facility's studios and offices without immediate relocation or downsizing. The transaction, approved after regulatory over potential antitrust issues, enabled synergies in content distribution but also introduced post-merger redundancies in administrative functions, though core infrastructure at the site remained intact to support 's 24-hour news cycle. During the late 1990s, operational growth in CNN programming, including expansions for specialized channels like CNNfn launched in 1995, relied on the existing studio spaces within the CNN Center rather than new construction, accommodating increased demands for live broadcasts and international coverage. Adjacent to the complex, Turner Properties announced plans in for a $100 million, 593-room tower to enhance the site's amenities and support media-related , reflecting broader corporate in Atlanta's media under Time Warner oversight. These adaptations prioritized efficient use of the building's atrium-connected layout for multi-network production without documented major structural overhauls. The 2001 merger of and Time Warner, forming AOL Time Warner, further reshaped , leading to operational streamlining at , including over 2,000 job cuts across the company in January 2001 to eliminate overlaps in digital and traditional media functions. At the , this manifested in enhanced digital workflows, such as the of ADTrax systems for automated ad trafficking and verification, aligning with AOL's internet expertise to modernize broadcast ad operations. By 2003, amid financial pressures from the dot-com bust, the company dropped "AOL" from its name, reverting to Time Warner Inc., while maintaining the as the headquarters for newsroom and activities.

Operational Challenges and Disinvestments (2010s)

In the mid-2010s, experienced operational shifts that reduced its on-site presence at the CNN Center in , including workforce reductions and relocation of programming. In November 2011, CNN/U.S. eliminated media editing positions in as part of technology and workflow optimizations aimed at streamlining production processes. Similarly, in June 2014, CNN transferred its live daytime programming from Studio 7 at the CNN Center to , allowing HLN to repurpose the space for its operations. These changes reflected broader adaptations to demands and centralized production, contributing to underutilized studio and office areas within the complex. By 2016, Time Warner, the parent company, announced plans for substantial renovations at the CNN Center, signaling recognition of aging infrastructure and evolving operational needs amid the shift toward more flexible models. Such updates were necessitated by the building's original from the , which faced obsolescence in accommodating modern workflows, though specific metrics on vacancy or maintenance cost escalations during this period remain undocumented in public financial disclosures. A key disinvestment occurred in April 2017, when Time Warner divested its 50% ownership stake in the adjacent Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center to Omni Hotels & Resorts for an undisclosed sum, granting Omni full control of the 1,059-room property. This transaction ended decades of joint management between the hotel and the broadcasting facilities, originally integrated during the complex's expansions, and marked an early step in separating non-core assets from core media operations as Time Warner restructured ahead of its 2018 acquisition by AT&T.

CNN Relocation and Ownership Transition (2020s)

In June 2020, WarnerMedia announced that CNN would relocate its Atlanta-based operations from the CNN Center to the renovated Techwood Turner campus in Midtown Atlanta, aiming to consolidate production facilities into a more modern, efficient space originally associated with the network's founding. This decision predated broader corporate mergers but aligned with ongoing efforts to streamline operations amid declining linear TV viewership and rising costs for legacy infrastructure. The relocation accelerated following the July 1, 2021, sale of the One CNN Center office tower—approximately 563,000 square feet of leasable space—to a partnership between Florida-based CP Group (formerly Crocker Partners) and Rialto Capital Management for $144.8 million, or roughly $257 per square foot. WarnerMedia, CNN's parent at the time, retained a leaseback arrangement to continue occupancy through the transition, but the transaction reflected weakened downtown office market dynamics, including post-COVID-19 shifts toward remote work and reduced demand for large-scale broadcast hubs. CNN's vacating process unfolded progressively, with most staff and studios shifting to Techwood by late 2023 and final operations concluding around July 2023, leaving the building largely vacant for its new owners. The symbolic removal of the iconic 5,000-pound CNN sign from the complex's exterior on March 4, 2024, marked the end of the network's physical association with the site after nearly four decades, as the letters were preserved for relocation to Techwood. These moves were driven by CNN's broader cost-reduction strategies, including layoffs and programming cuts, against a backdrop of pandemic-induced office vacancies that depressed property values and occupancy rates in central business districts.

Architecture and Design

Structural and Exterior Features

The CNN Center complex comprises multiple low-rise office towers enveloped in glass curtain walls, integrated with steel framing elements for structural support and aesthetic appeal. Originally constructed in the 1970s, the exterior facade utilizes extensive glazing to allow natural light penetration while interfacing with the urban fabric of , positioned adjacent to . The design emphasizes horizontal connectivity over vertical dominance, distinguishing it from Atlanta's taller . The adjacent Omni Hotel component rises approximately 28 stories, forming the complex's most prominent vertical element, connected via skybridges that facilitate pedestrian flow between towers. Engineering assessments highlight the use of concrete framing in core areas, with glass replacements indicating ongoing to address and seal failures common in mid-century curtain wall systems. A multi-level parking deck spanning 14 acres and two stories supports vehicular access, though capacity specifics vary with operational configurations exceeding 800 spaces in assessed sections. Atlanta's low seismic activity necessitates minimal specialized reinforcements, relying instead on standard and for load-bearing integrity. Maintenance reports reveal vulnerabilities in aging , including deteriorated elevated ramps and beam supports in the facilities, prompting repairs to mitigate progressive deterioration from environmental exposure and usage wear. These issues underscore empirical challenges in sustaining 1970s-era designs amid urban demands, with condition surveys documenting necessary interventions for structural longevity.

Atrium and Interior Amenities

The CNN Center's central atrium spans eight stories and functions as the primary vertical circulation hub, featuring a freestanding recognized by as the world's longest and tallest at 193 feet in length. This , installed during the complex's original construction in the late , connects ground-level public areas to upper floors housing offices, broadcasting facilities, and amenities, facilitating efficient movement for employees, visitors, and tourists. At ground level, the atrium includes a spacious and retail shops designed for the convenience of CNN staff and the general public since the 1980s opening. The , which at times shared space with live CNN sets, offered diverse dining options to support daily operations and attract visitors, evolving from a media-employee-focused setup to broader mixed-use amid downtown Atlanta's commercial landscape. An rink once occupied part of this level, enhancing public appeal before its removal. Interior amenities emphasize practical connectivity, with the atrium linking directly to the adjacent GWCC/CNN Center MARTA station on the and lines, providing seamless transit access for commuters and event attendees without on-site reliance. This integration supported high foot , as the complex's open design accommodated public tours and casual visitors alongside operational needs, though maintenance challenges in later years affected escalator reliability and overall vibrancy.

Broadcasting Infrastructure

The CNN Center's broadcasting infrastructure supported continuous 24/7 operations through multiple dedicated studios and control rooms, enabling real-time production and coordination for 's domestic and international channels. Fiber-optic cabling interconnected production areas, facilitating efficient signal between studios, rooms, and transmission points, as implemented during upgrades in the late . Rooftop installations included receive antennas, primarily for downlinking feeds and affiliate contributions, which were critical for integrating international content into live broadcasts. While fixed uplinks were limited, the setup relied on complementary mobile satellite trucks for outbound transmissions during major events, reflecting a hybrid approach suited to the era's technology but less agile than modern IP-based systems. Adaptations for high-definition and digital transitions occurred progressively in the 2000s, with the facility's hub completing its major HD upgrade in via a new 5,000-square-foot studio—the network's largest at the time—featuring a 3-HDTV backdrop, rotating desk, and dual 103-inch plasma screens on tracks for dynamic visuals. This infrastructure supported global feeds to affiliates via satellite and fiber, but its reliance on legacy cabling and physical control rooms imposed scalability limits compared to IP standards like , contributing to the rationale for relocating operations to the Techwood campus's flexible, all-IP control rooms by October 2023. Empirically, the center's high energy demands from constant , cooling for , and redundant power systems—hallmarks of 1980s-era broadcast facilities—exacerbated operational costs in a high-rise, where space for expansion was constrained by the building's atrium-centric design, underscoring practical inefficiencies in sustaining cutting-edge news production amid evolving digital demands.

Tenants and Usage

Historical Media Tenants

The CNN Center primarily housed the headquarters, studios, and operations of from 1987, following Turner Broadcasting System's full acquisition and renovation of the former Omni Complex, until the network's relocation to the Techwood campus in 2023. This long-term occupancy anchored the facility as a landmark, with employing up to 5,000 staff at its peak and supporting ancillary media activities such as studio tours that drew tourists. Various units of Turner Broadcasting System, including elements of TBS (Turner Broadcasting System) superstation operations and Cartoon Network, maintained offices and production spaces within the complex alongside CNN, reflecting the integrated structure of Ted Turner's media empire. These tenants contributed to the site's operational density until the 2020s, with post-merger synergies from the 1996 Time Warner acquisition of Turner leading to consolidated administrative and creative functions under a unified corporate umbrella. The media tenants' presence, dominated by CNN's scale, played a key role in sustaining the property's economic value, acting as a catalyst for downtown Atlanta's revitalization by generating employment, attracting related businesses, and symbolizing the city's emergence as a hub. Brief holdover operations from , the successor entity post-2018 WarnerMedia merger and 2022 spin-off, persisted after CNN's departure but marked the transition away from primary media use.

Non-Media and Commercial Tenants

The Omni Atlanta Hotel, integrated into the original Omni International complex opened in 1976, served as a key non-media tenant at CNN Center, offering 557 rooms and accommodating visitors tied to media operations, conventions, and proximity to arenas until its $12 million South Tower renovation in 2022 and subsequent rebranding away from the CNN Center association in 2024. Retail and dining outlets in the atrium formed the core of commercial activity, with vendors including , , Subway, China Breeze, Roman Delight Pizza, and Dantanna's providing fast-casual options that drew an estimated daily foot traffic of thousands from CNN staff, tourists, and event attendees at adjacent and . These establishments operated symbiotically with media functions, peaking during broadcast shifts and generating ancillary revenue through high-volume turnover in a captive audience environment. Additional non-media presence included service-oriented retail like an store and occasional pop-up or short-term leases for apparel and souvenirs, though these spaces saw variable occupancy tied to overall complex vitality rather than independent demand drivers. By the late , as CNN consolidated operations ahead of its 2023 exit, non-core commercial areas experienced lease turnover, with food court vendors persisting amid broader downtown challenges but facing reduced sustained traffic post-media peak hours.

Redevelopment as The Center

Acquisition and Rebranding

In July 2021, a joint venture between Florida-based CP Group and Rialto Capital Management acquired the CNN Center complex from WarnerMedia for $164 million in a sale-leaseback transaction, as WarnerMedia prepared to consolidate and relocate its CNN operations from the aging downtown Atlanta property. The acquisition targeted the 1.2 million-square-foot mixed-use asset, which had been dominated by CNN's long-term tenancy since its 1987 opening, limiting broader market access. On April 4, 2024, following CNN's full vacatur after a transitional short-term lease, CP Group rebranded the property as "The Center" to signal a pivot toward diverse, non-media-centric tenants and initiate its first public leasing campaign in over four decades. The rebranding emphasized adaptive reuse for professional offices, creative production spaces, and experiential retail, targeting roughly 920,000 square feet of office space alongside 130,000 square feet of retail to foster integrated commerce, dining, and entertainment. This strategic repositioning was driven by recognition of structural shifts in commercial , where sustained trends post-COVID-19 reduced demand for monolithic office towers and elevated interest in hybrid environments blending work with consumer-facing amenities to draw foot traffic and retain talent. CP Group stated the move aimed to transform the underutilized icon into a "unifying destination for , , and connection," capitalizing on its central location and broadcast-ready infrastructure while divesting from media-specific legacy dependencies.

Renovation Plans and Economic Impact

In March 2025, CP Group unveiled renderings for the redevelopment of (formerly CNN Center), featuring a modernized central atrium with expanded open spaces designed to enhance interaction and accessibility. The plans include refreshed exterior facades with activated entryways and a new arrival experience to draw pedestrians from surrounding streets, alongside a ground-floor and 130,000 square feet of retail space integrated into the 1.2 million-square-foot complex. Construction on the atrium overhaul is slated to commence in early 2026, with completion targeted ahead of Atlanta's hosting of matches to capitalize on influxes of visitors. The $400–500 million renovation aims to reposition the property as a mixed-use hub with 920,000 square feet dedicated to creative offices and media production, attracting tech, content creators, and nonprofits through incentives like free on the building's prominent facades. Proponents project economic benefits including job growth in retail, dining, and , alongside increased foot traffic to stimulate downtown 's recovery from post-pandemic vacancy rates exceeding 20% in office spaces. By aligning openings with the 2026 World Cup, the project anticipates a surge, potentially mirroring the event-driven revenue spikes seen in prior host cities, though sustained impact hinges on long-term tenant occupancy rather than transient events. Critics highlight risks of overinvestment in event-tied retail amid shifting consumer patterns, where brick-and-mortar food halls have underperformed in comparable U.S. urban revamps like those in Detroit's districts, yielding ROI shortfalls when footfall normalizes post-mega-events. The emphasis on creative faces headwinds from hybrid work trends, with 's downtown vacancy persisting despite incentives, underscoring causal dependencies on broader economic recovery rather than isolated redevelopments. Overall, while the plans promise revitalization, verifiable returns will depend on adaptive leasing amid volatile retail viability.

Notable Events

2020 Protests and Vandalism

On May 29, 2020, during demonstrations in protesting the death of George Floyd on May 25, a group of protesters targeted the CNN Center in , resulting in to the building's exterior and interior. Demonstrators defaced the large outdoor CNN logo with , shattered front glass doors and windows using objects including skateboards, and climbed onto the lettering. Protesters also entered the atrium, causing further interior damage, while additional acts included the destruction of vehicles parked outside. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. ET, following an earlier peaceful march from to the CNN Center at 190 Marietta Street NW. Atlanta police responded by gathering at the site around 6 p.m., deploying to disperse crowds, and calling in a team amid confrontations. At least three arrests were made during the clashes at the Center, though specific charges related to the were not detailed in immediate reports. One officer sustained minor injuries after being pushed to the ground, but no injuries were reported among protesters or staff at the location. Cleanup efforts followed overnight, addressing the broken glass and as part of broader restoration after the unrest. The targeting of the Center, home to the network's headquarters, reflected its visibility as a media landmark amid national protests.

Counter-Protests and Public Demonstrations

On November 21, 2020, supporters of then-President gathered outside the in for a rally organized by the "Walk Away" campaign, which encouraged liberals to leave the Democratic Party. Led by founder Brandon Straka, the event drew crowds to the building's entrance, where participants chanted "CNN sucks" to voice dissatisfaction with the network's coverage of the 2020 and related events. The demonstration contrasted with earlier unrest at the site, including the May 29, 2020, vandalism during protests, when demonstrators broke windows and defaced the CNN sign with . No arrests or violent clashes were reported from the Walk Away rally, which proceeded peacefully amid heightened post-election tensions. These gatherings highlighted divisions over media credibility, with the chants reflecting public toward CNN's reporting, particularly on integrity claims advanced by Trump supporters. The rally's location at the CNN Center underscored its symbolic targeting as a venue for expressing counter-narratives to mainstream outlets perceived as biased by attendees.

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  39. https://www.omnihotels.com/-/media/images/hotels/atlcnn/meetings/floorplans/atlcnn-omni-atlanta-cnn-center-meetings-floor-plan
  40. https://www.usanova.com/portfolio-item/cnn-center-parking-deck-atlanta-ga/
  41. https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/garage/cnn_deck/30303/atlanta/
  42. https://www.ieiusa.com/iei-portfolio/cnn-center-parking-deck/
  43. https://www.usanova.com/portfolio-item/cnn-center-elevated-rampcondition-survey-atlanta-ga/
  44. https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/41785
  45. https://itsmarta.com/GWCC-CNNCenter.aspx
  46. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cnn-completes-its-hd-agenda
  47. https://www.nexttv.com/news/cnn-opens-atlanta-hd-studio-258434
  48. http://satproatlanta.com/19019.html
  49. https://www.satctr.com/uplink-trucks/
  50. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/cnn-puts-a-new-spin-on-hd-studio-in-atlanta
  51. https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/cnn-news-central-says-goodbye-to-cnn-center-in-atlanta/
  52. https://www.adweek.com/tvnewser/cnn-international-programming-is-first-to-originate-from-the-new-turner-techwood-campus/
  53. https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/turner-broadcasting-system-inc
  54. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2024/05/30/cnn-center.html
  55. https://georgiahistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/CNN-Profile-and-Case-Study.pdf
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR4iiq9Whd8
  57. https://www.newscaststudio.com/2019/10/28/turner-broadcasting-sign/
  58. https://www.company-histories.com/Turner-Broadcasting-System-Inc-Company-History.html
  59. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2020/06/30/downtown-atlantas-iconic-cnn-center-to-be-sold.html
  60. https://issuu.com/ourtownmag/docs/otm_october_2022_blue-web/s/17074568
  61. https://www.omnihotels.com/media-center/recent-news/2024/05/16/14/17/omni-atlanta-hotel-at-centennial-park-unveils-stunning-renovation-and-rebrand-with-new-name
  62. https://georgia-exhibits.galileo.usg.edu/spotlight/urban-renewal/catalog/6-573
  63. https://www.atlantadowntown.com/go/cnn-center-cpd
  64. https://www.yelp.com/biz/cnn-center-atlanta
  65. https://restaurants.subway.com/united-states/ga/atlanta/1-cnn-center
  66. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60898-d10487991-Reviews-or45-CNN_Center_Food_Court-Atlanta_Georgia.html
  67. https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2021/07/01/sale-of-cnn-center-complete.html
  68. https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2024/04/09/cnn-center-is-no-more-atlanta-icons-new-name-is-now-the-center/
  69. https://cpgcre.com/news/cp-group-acquires-cnn-center-in-downtown-atlanta/
  70. https://cpgcre.com/news/former-cnn-center-launches-office-and-retail-leasing/
  71. https://rebusinessonline.com/cp-group-rebrands-1-2-msf-cnn-center-in-downtown-atlanta-to-the-center/
  72. https://cpgcre.com/project/cnn-center/
  73. https://atlanta.urbanize.city/post/cnn-center-downtown-renovation-project-development-moves-forward-downtown
  74. https://urbanland.uli.org/retailentertainment/cnn-center-2-0-an-atlanta-icon-lands-new-starring-role-as-the-center
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  80. https://atlanta.eater.com/2025/3/20/24390208/former-cnn-center-food-hall-remodel
  81. https://www.costar.com/article/1500546285/high-profile-office-tower-in-downtown-atlanta-set-for-renovation
  82. https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/29/us/cnn-center-vandalized-protest-atlanta-destroyed
  83. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/cnn-center-heavily-vandalized-during-atlanta-protest-against-death-of-george-floyd
  84. https://pressfreedomtracker.us/all-incidents/cnn-headquarters-atlanta-vandalized-during-protest/
  85. https://www.newsweek.com/cnn-sucks-crowd-chants-outside-atlanta-headquarters-once-targeted-blm-protesters-1549261
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