ATLANTA — The city of Atlanta this week officially unveiled a street renamed in honor of media mogul and former Atlanta Braves owner Ted Turner.
A portion of Spring Street, between Whitehall Street and West Peachtree Street, was renamed Ted Turner Drive despite the objections of some business owners. City officials pointed out the location is near where Turner launched some of “his most prominent business endeavors,” such as Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) and the headquarters for CNN.
“Ted Turner is an important figure in Atlanta’s recent history for his vision to transform television by creating the world’s first 24-hour global news network, CNN. He has also owned the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Braves and is a leading philanthropist,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said in a news release. “Ted Turner Drive at Historic Spring Street will become a significant part of our history and our future. Turner is very deserving of this honor.”
City officials and invited guests attended a ceremony in downtown Atlanta this week to officially unveil the new street name. Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin, who was among the dignitaries who attended the official ceremony this week, sponsored the ordinance to rename the street.
“I am honored that the City of Atlanta has chosen to rename Spring Street to Ted Turner Drive,” Turner, who is today perhaps best know as the proprietor of Ted’s Montana Grill, said in a news release. “Words cannot express my gratitude for this recognition. I am truly humbled.”
Turner is also a member of the Atlanta Press Club Hall of Fame.
