Sneak Peak / What’s Next

Changes are afoot at downtown Atlanta’s design mecca, AmericasMart. While local and visiting designers at the International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, January 14–21, might not immediately notice improvements, they are in progress as part of a multistage plan to transform AmericasMart’s 7.2 million-square-foot campus. “Our showrooms are always showing cutting-edge trends, and it’s important for the facility they are showcased in to feel fresh [and] relevant,” explains Scott Eckman, International Market Center’s executive vice president, president of furniture and home decor leasing. Already, designers can enjoy expanded resources, including a workspace with a concierge service and resource library.

Most of the visible changes will take shape later this year, as architect Micah Hall of ASD | SKY leads the striking renovation of the Building 1 lobby, which will include a full-service eatery. “The dramatic changes to our lobby are going to generate great energy and excitement for our market center and serve as the gateway to our reimagined designer shopping experience,” Eckman says.