Abstract:
In preparation for hosting the 2004 Olympics, the city of Athens, Greece embarked on an extensive renovation project, New Images for Athens, to beautify the city. In total, over 1,600 buildings received attention at a cost of over 4.5 million euros. The work was carried out through a partnership that involved local officials, architects, skilled trades people, the business community, and Greek citizens. Initial results were visually impressive; most of the projects lay along the routes to the Olympic venues in the city and tourists enjoyed the brightly colored buildings and small parks that were created. However, after the Olympics, Athens had to evaluate the long-term gains from the NIA program. What value had been created initially and how could that value be sustained for the permanent residents of the city.
Learning Objective:
This case allows for discussion of how public-private partnerships could be utilized for completing short-term projects and how urban development in Greece could be maintained after the conclusion of its initial objective.
