Art Meets Development at BLVDNEXT
By P. Faith Carmichael
Publish Date: August 19, 2025
In the heart of Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, where the historic Boulevard has long carried both the mantle of history and the scars of disinvestment, a new future is rising—on the site of the former Atlanta Medical Center.
Today, building on its storied history, that community is being reimagined through BLVDNEXT, a major new redevelopment by The Integral Group in partnership with Wellstar Health System. But before a single unit is built, something else is already transforming the space: art.
Through a new partnership with Atlanta creative consultancy and studio, NEXT, the 2,200-foot perimeter of the site has become a rotating public art gallery—showcasing works by local artists whose voices and works reflect the stories, strength, and aspirations of the surrounding community.
“Great cities aren’t built on concrete alone,” said Egbert Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Integral Group. “They’re shaped by creativity, culture, and community. We believe that development must reflect the richness of its surroundings, and partnering with NEXT to intentionally integrate art and our communities helps us honor that in a way that’s visible, meaningful, and lasting.”
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
The project’s inaugural installation features the work of Tracy Murrell, a prominent Atlanta visual artist known for her signature silhouettes. Her designs—celebrating the beauty and resilience of Black womanhood—now encircle the full site, bringing both warmth and storytelling to the construction zone.
Over time, new artists will be selected to take over the space, creating an evolving visual dialogue with the neighborhood.
A More Intentional Approach to Development
The initiative is curated and produced by NEXT, which focuses on placing Atlanta’s emerging artists—especially artists of color—at the center of the city’s transformation.
“We’re proud to be part of a project that treats culture and community not as afterthoughts, but as cornerstones,” said NEXT Chief Technology Officer Paris Humphrey Jr. “This isn’t just about art for art’s sake. It’s about storytelling, identity, and honoring the legacy of a street that has seen so much—and deserves even more.”
The collaboration signals a broader shift in how development can intersect with creativity—starting not with finished buildings, but with intention and inclusion from the outset.
Breaking Ground—and Breaking Patterns
Last month, Integral officially broke ground on the BLVDNEXT development, with city leaders, community partners, and local artists in attendance. But according to Perry, the groundwork for transformation had already begun.
“Art isn’t a side project, it’s part of our foundation,” he said. “We want BLVDNEXT to be an example of what happens when you develop with intention, and when you make space for culture from day one.”
To experience the work firsthand, visit the BLVDNEXT site and follow along at blvdnext.com.
With each rotation of the fence wrap, new artists will be curated to reflect on the past and imagine the future—ensuring that the story of Boulevard is told not just in buildings, but in bold, beautiful art that honors the community, anchors the present, and helps shape what comes next.
Let’s Connect
Have questions about BLVDNEXT? Want to learn more about opportunities for residents or businesses? Need to share your thoughts about the project? We’re here to listen.