Beltline formally seeks developers to kickstart massive Westside project

Josh Green

Mon, 04/28/2025 – 17:10

The process of transforming the largest land acquisition in Atlanta Beltline Inc.’s history into a place for people has formally begun.

Beltline officials have issued a Request for Proposals for developers capable of turning acreage in the Bankhead/Historic Westin Heights neighborhood into a hub of “catalytic” affordable housing and commercial space adjacent to a section of the Westside Trail that’s scheduled to finish construction this summer.

The initial phase of the housing development will be unique in that it calls for a sizable injection of for-sale, standalone homes, as opposed to stacked apartments or townhomes.

As a first step, the Beltline is seeking a housing developer to assist in building the initial phase of the long-vacant site into what’s envisioned as a green, walkable community brimming with attainable living options and economic opportunities.

Overview of the Chappell Road acreage west of Midtown and downtown today. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.

The first phase, according to Beltline leadership, will rise across what’s known as blocks 1 to 5. That portion counts road access from both Chappell Road and North Avenue.

Priority for those blocks will go to single-family and lower-density housing such as small-scale multifamily projects that weave better into surrounding neighborhoods than big housing blocks, per the Beltline.

Phase-one concepts call for up to 150 new homes—all offered for sale, and not rent—plus about 5,000 square feet of walkable commercial space geared toward local small businesses, according to Beltline officials. Plans also include a Beltline spur branching off the Westside Trail-Segment 4, through the city’s property next door, and across North Avenue to the new residential and commercial development.

All developer responses to the RFP are due July 9.

Tentative plans for Beltline connectivity to future housing and other development. Atlanta BeltLine Inc.

Following numerous community meetings, Beltline officials announced in May their site and the city’s next door could eventually see a staggering 3,292 housing units take shape, alongside a 123,000-square-foot commercial village and a variety of new greenspaces, connecting trails, and amenities such as playgrounds and an amphitheater. One key “front door” component on 6 acres along Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway could be a big-box grocer or retailer, officials said at the time.

As of now, the Beltline has reached 74 percent of its goal to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030 near its system of trails, within the Beltline Tax Allocation District.

Development of the 425 Chappell Road site “helps realize the Beltline’s longterm strategy of strategic site acquisition as a means to deliver affordable and attainable housing options and affordable commercial spaces for our local small businesses,” said Dennis Richards, the Beltline’s vice president of housing policy and development, in the RFP announcement. “This will be an inclusive development and a shining example of the Beltline being a place where all Atlantans have an opportunity to live, work, and thrive.”

The Beltline’s portion of the site could see more than 1,030 townhomes, apartments, and live-work units, per officials. Greenspace, at right, could include playgrounds and an amphitheater. Atlanta BeltLine Inc.