After months of discussion and debate, the Atlanta City Council on Monday approved legislation to rename portions of two downtown streets and greenspace in honor of Atlanta vanguards John Portman and Xernona Clayton-Brady.

According to an e-mail news release by senior spokesman Dexter Chambers, the City Council approved by a vote of 9-5 to rename Harris Street, N.W. between Piedmont Avenue, N.W. and Park Drive, N.W. in downtown to John Portman Boulevard, N.W. in honor of the renowned architect and builder of City’s modern skyline.

The Portman ordinance also calls for historical markers to recognize the contributions of both the street’s original namesake and city pioneer John L. Harris and Portman. The new street signs will include sign toppers with the moniker "Historic Harris Street."
 
The City Council voted unanimously to designate the intersections of Baker Street, N.W. between Piedmont Avenue, N.W. and Centennial Olympic Park Drive, N.W. as the “Honorary Xernona Clayton Way” and identifying space in Hardy-Ivy Park as “Xernona Clayton Plaza,” in honor of the veteran broadcaster.
 
“I appreciate the volunteers, community stakeholders and neighborhood leaders who devoted their time and energy to these worthy efforts to honor two Atlanta giants who have meaningfully impacted our beloved city within her walls and beyond her gates,” said City Council President Ceasar C. Mitchell. "The outcome is the result of an intense collaborative effort and a sincere commitment to find common ground."

Mitchell led the effort to find an acceptable resolution that all parties could agree upon after strong opposition developed to any street renamings from some community interests.