Over 40 IFMA members attended a private tour of the headquarters of the CNN Center on Thursday, June 24. Located in downtown Atlanta, CNN Center features more than 1.2 million square feet of office, retail, and restaurant space. The site spans several city blocks and contains CNN’s main newsrooms, as well as several of the network’s studios.
IFMA member, Lindsey Bradshaw with Turner Properties, kicked off the tour by sharing with the group some interesting facts about the history of the site. She explained that while the CNN Center opened as the Omni in 1976, it enjoyed limited success as a multi-use business/recreation property until the CNN headquarters was moved to the site in 1987. Since that time the property has been modified in a number of ways to service the operating needs of CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and the many visitors who frequent the site daily.
Lindsey Bradshaw kicks things off
Lindsey along with Eugene De Nijs Bik, also with Turner, then treated attendees to an up-close view on how CNN operates. Tour highlights included a viewing of the latest newsroom renovation, stops to the editing department, and a walk through of a recent office space build-out. Attendees were also able to catch a live newscast of CNN anchor Rick Sanchez’s afternoon show!
After the tour, the group convened at McCormick & Schmick seafood restaurant, which is also located at CNN Center. The group enjoyed cocktails and appetizers graciously provided by Andrew Hoover, president of The Best Consultant Company.
–Sandra Reese
