Beltline: Here’s why pivotal Murphy Crossing project fell apart
Beltline: Here’s why pivotal Murphy Crossing project fell apart
Beltline: Here’s why pivotal Murphy Crossing project fell apart
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 12:33
Plans that called for protracted construction timelines, far less housing than initially proposed, and unexplained costs in the tens of millions of dollars are responsible for torpedoing the latest mixed-use revival of Murphy Crossing, one of the most consequential redevelopment sites in the city, according to Atlanta Beltline Inc.
Last month, Beltline officials made a bombshell announcement that a deal was being terminated with Culdesac Inc., an Arizona-based firm known for innovative approaches to infill development, that called for finally redeveloping Murphy Crossing, a 20-acre, formerly industrial site along the Westside Trail. The fallout from that decision was the subject of a recent front-page AJC news story, bringing the subject back to the forefront.
Now that contract negotiations with Culdesac and its Atlanta-based partner Urban Oasis Development have been terminated, according to Beltline officials, the agency is at liberty to tell its side of the Murphy Crossing story.
Slashed home counts, unexplained costs, “ballooned” timelines, and other factors played roles in the Beltline ultimately deciding to move on and seek another development team for the site. It remains “one of the largest and most impactful” slates for redevelopment on the 22-mile multi-use trail loop, and a prime location for car-free living, per a Beltline media statement released today.
The Beltline’s negotiations with Culdesac and Urban Oasis began in September 2022, lending hope that a barren expanse of land and unused buildings might be injected with new life, in the form of commercial space and affordable housing. (The Beltline had canceled plans for Murphy Crossing’s remake with another development team in the summer of 2020, following public concern over that team’s qualifications.) In March last year, the Beltline announced the development pair had officially gotten the Murphy Crossing job.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
According to the Beltline, Culdesac and Urban Oasis were responsible for developing a Murphy Crossing masterplan, completing all pre-construction work such as securing entitlements and permits, finding the required financing, and finally, managing construction and development “in a timely, cost-effective manner.”
The arrangement fell short of expectations, and Beltline leaders on Dec. 30 made what they called a difficult decision in terminating negotiations. The agency was legally prohibited from publicly discussing the behind-the-scenes process, including its numerous complications, while negotiations were still active, per the Beltline’s announcement.
Below are key reasons provided by Dennis Richards Jr., the Beltline’s vice president of housing policy and development, for why he says the deal with Culdesac and Urban Oasis fell apart, according to the agency. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and length:
- Throughout the negotiation process, the [Murphy Crossing] project ballooned from an initial two phases up to a total of six phases of development;
- The developers reduced the proposed first phase of 310 residential units three times down to a proposed 105 residential units, less than a third of the units initially envisioned;
- The developers requested excessive and unreasonable public incentives including, for example, an ambiguous request for $38 million across all phases of the project, which would have been in addition to the discounts and favorable terms on the land, and certain real estate tax incentives that the project could have been eligible for;
- The developers requested an increase in the inspection period from an initial 120 days per the initial contract terms to over 280 days;
- The developers failed to move forward simultaneously on critical, pre-construction items like rezoning, financing, and other planning activities, which significantly delayed development of the site;
- The developers’ repeated requests for extensions of the inspection period had a ripple effect throughout the project’s critical path timeline because they would have required ABI to provide additional extensions and renegotiate critical dates;
ABI offered a compelling incentive package to induce the developers to begin construction of the first phase of the project and to assist with needed infrastructure costs. Despite these attractive incentives, the developers continued to request material changes to the project.
For example, ABI offered the developers nearly a $10 million incentive package for phase one of the project, excluding favorable terms on the land. However, after ABI agreed to provide this generous incentive package, the developers proposed to reduce the residential units they were planning to build in phase one even further from 160 units down to 105 units, while continuing to ask ABI for $12 million in public incentives.
These repeated material changes not only would have further delayed the project, but they would have required ABI to continue altering its contractual terms with the developers; and
The developers were unable to secure sufficient capital to finance the project, but ABI did not immediately terminate its negotiations.
Instead, ABI and its agency partners, Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, offered generous financing options, grants, and other public monies to the developers to help them get the project started.
However, the developers failed to submit an application to either Invest Atlanta or AUDC to secure any of those funds.
We’ve reached out to Culdesac officials for comment and will update this story with any additional information that comes.
In last week’s AJC story, Culdesac officials said they don’t believe the Beltline had the right to terminate the purchase and sale agreement, while an Urban Oasis leader said his company had fulfilled all contractual obligations and was still ready to execute work on Murphy Crossing. Neither company lent an explanation as to why the Beltline deal had soured.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
Despite the setbacks, Beltline officials say they remain determined to see the redevelopment of Murphy Crossing through.
The Beltline plans to host a virtual Murphy Crossing Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19, along with a larger meeting sometime in March. The public will be invited to tune in to both meetings for updates on Murphy Crossing, but only committee members will be permitted to ask questions or comment, per Beltline officials.
By the fourth quarter of 2025, Beltline officials plan to fully entitle the Murphy Crossing site, a process that would include a Development of Regional Impact review at the state level. Planning efforts will continue between now and then, per officials.
According to today’s announcement, the Beltline’s goal calls for breaking ground on Murphy Crossing’s first phase in 2026.
What that might look like, clearly, remains to be seen.
The 20-acre property’s scope, bordered by a MARTA line in Southwest Atlanta.Photo by The Sintoses, courtesy of Atlanta BeltLine Inc.
…
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Oakland City news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Beltline: Here’s why pivotal Murphy Crossing project fell apart
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 12:33
Plans that called for protracted construction timelines, far less housing than initially proposed, and unexplained costs in the tens of millions of dollars are responsible for torpedoing the latest mixed-use revival of Murphy Crossing, one of the most consequential redevelopment sites in the city, according to Atlanta Beltline Inc.Last month, Beltline officials made a bombshell announcement that a deal was being terminated with Culdesac Inc., an Arizona-based firm known for innovative approaches to infill development, that called for finally redeveloping Murphy Crossing, a 20-acre, formerly industrial site along the Westside Trail. The fallout from that decision was the subject of a recent front-page AJC news story, bringing the subject back to the forefront. Now that contract negotiations with Culdesac and its Atlanta-based partner Urban Oasis Development have been terminated, according to Beltline officials, the agency is at liberty to tell its side of the Murphy Crossing story. Slashed home counts, unexplained costs, “ballooned” timelines, and other factors played roles in the Beltline ultimately deciding to move on and seek another development team for the site. It remains “one of the largest and most impactful” slates for redevelopment on the 22-mile multi-use trail loop, and a prime location for car-free living, per a Beltline media statement released today. The Beltline’s negotiations with Culdesac and Urban Oasis began in September 2022, lending hope that a barren expanse of land and unused buildings might be injected with new life, in the form of commercial space and affordable housing. (The Beltline had canceled plans for Murphy Crossing’s remake with another development team in the summer of 2020, following public concern over that team’s qualifications.) In March last year, the Beltline announced the development pair had officially gotten the Murphy Crossing job.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
According to the Beltline, Culdesac and Urban Oasis were responsible for developing a Murphy Crossing masterplan, completing all pre-construction work such as securing entitlements and permits, finding the required financing, and finally, managing construction and development “in a timely, cost-effective manner.”The arrangement fell short of expectations, and Beltline leaders on Dec. 30 made what they called a difficult decision in terminating negotiations. The agency was legally prohibited from publicly discussing the behind-the-scenes process, including its numerous complications, while negotiations were still active, per the Beltline’s announcement. Below are key reasons provided by Dennis Richards Jr., the Beltline’s vice president of housing policy and development, for why he says the deal with Culdesac and Urban Oasis fell apart, according to the agency. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and length: Throughout the negotiation process, the [Murphy Crossing] project ballooned from an initial two phases up to a total of six phases of development;The developers reduced the proposed first phase of 310 residential units three times down to a proposed 105 residential units, less than a third of the units initially envisioned;The developers requested excessive and unreasonable public incentives including, for example, an ambiguous request for $38 million across all phases of the project, which would have been in addition to the discounts and favorable terms on the land, and certain real estate tax incentives that the project could have been eligible for;The developers requested an increase in the inspection period from an initial 120 days per the initial contract terms to over 280 days;The developers failed to move forward simultaneously on critical, pre-construction items like rezoning, financing, and other planning activities, which significantly delayed development of the site; The developers’ repeated requests for extensions of the inspection period had a ripple effect throughout the project’s critical path timeline because they would have required ABI to provide additional extensions and renegotiate critical dates; ABI offered a compelling incentive package to induce the developers to begin construction of the first phase of the project and to assist with needed infrastructure costs. Despite these attractive incentives, the developers continued to request material changes to the project. For example, ABI offered the developers nearly a $10 million incentive package for phase one of the project, excluding favorable terms on the land. However, after ABI agreed to provide this generous incentive package, the developers proposed to reduce the residential units they were planning to build in phase one even further from 160 units down to 105 units, while continuing to ask ABI for $12 million in public incentives. These repeated material changes not only would have further delayed the project, but they would have required ABI to continue altering its contractual terms with the developers; andThe developers were unable to secure sufficient capital to finance the project, but ABI did not immediately terminate its negotiations. Instead, ABI and its agency partners, Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, offered generous financing options, grants, and other public monies to the developers to help them get the project started. However, the developers failed to submit an application to either Invest Atlanta or AUDC to secure any of those funds.We’ve reached out to Culdesac officials for comment and will update this story with any additional information that comes. In last week’s AJC story, Culdesac officials said they don’t believe the Beltline had the right to terminate the purchase and sale agreement, while an Urban Oasis leader said his company had fulfilled all contractual obligations and was still ready to execute work on Murphy Crossing. Neither company lent an explanation as to why the Beltline deal had soured.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
Despite the setbacks, Beltline officials say they remain determined to see the redevelopment of Murphy Crossing through. The Beltline plans to host a virtual Murphy Crossing Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19, along with a larger meeting sometime in March. The public will be invited to tune in to both meetings for updates on Murphy Crossing, but only committee members will be permitted to ask questions or comment, per Beltline officials. By the fourth quarter of 2025, Beltline officials plan to fully entitle the Murphy Crossing site, a process that would include a Development of Regional Impact review at the state level. Planning efforts will continue between now and then, per officials. According to today’s announcement, the Beltline’s goal calls for breaking ground on Murphy Crossing’s first phase in 2026. What that might look like, clearly, remains to be seen.
The 20-acre property’s scope, bordered by a MARTA line in Southwest Atlanta.Photo by The Sintoses, courtesy of Atlanta BeltLine Inc.
…Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Oakland City news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
1050 Murphy Avenue
Murphy Crossing
Adair Park
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Atlanta BeltLine
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Kronberg Urbanists + Architects
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T. Dallas Smith and Co.
Adaptive-Reuse
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Slashed home counts, unexplained costs, “ballooned” timelines played role, per Beltline leaders
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Oakland City
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Beltline: Here’s why pivotal Murphy Crossing project fell apart
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 12:33
Plans that called for protracted construction timelines, far less housing than initially proposed, and unexplained costs in the tens of millions of dollars are responsible for torpedoing the latest mixed-use revival of Murphy Crossing, one of the most consequential redevelopment sites in the city, according to Atlanta Beltline Inc.Last month, Beltline officials made a bombshell announcement that a deal was being terminated with Culdesac Inc., an Arizona-based firm known for innovative approaches to infill development, that called for finally redeveloping Murphy Crossing, a 20-acre, formerly industrial site along the Westside Trail. The fallout from that decision was the subject of a recent front-page AJC news story, bringing the subject back to the forefront. Now that contract negotiations with Culdesac and its Atlanta-based partner Urban Oasis Development have been terminated, according to Beltline officials, the agency is at liberty to tell its side of the Murphy Crossing story. Slashed home counts, unexplained costs, “ballooned” timelines, and other factors played roles in the Beltline ultimately deciding to move on and seek another development team for the site. It remains “one of the largest and most impactful” slates for redevelopment on the 22-mile multi-use trail loop, and a prime location for car-free living, per a Beltline media statement released today. The Beltline’s negotiations with Culdesac and Urban Oasis began in September 2022, lending hope that a barren expanse of land and unused buildings might be injected with new life, in the form of commercial space and affordable housing. (The Beltline had canceled plans for Murphy Crossing’s remake with another development team in the summer of 2020, following public concern over that team’s qualifications.) In March last year, the Beltline announced the development pair had officially gotten the Murphy Crossing job.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
According to the Beltline, Culdesac and Urban Oasis were responsible for developing a Murphy Crossing masterplan, completing all pre-construction work such as securing entitlements and permits, finding the required financing, and finally, managing construction and development “in a timely, cost-effective manner.”The arrangement fell short of expectations, and Beltline leaders on Dec. 30 made what they called a difficult decision in terminating negotiations. The agency was legally prohibited from publicly discussing the behind-the-scenes process, including its numerous complications, while negotiations were still active, per the Beltline’s announcement. Below are key reasons provided by Dennis Richards Jr., the Beltline’s vice president of housing policy and development, for why he says the deal with Culdesac and Urban Oasis fell apart, according to the agency. The following has been lightly edited for clarity and length: Throughout the negotiation process, the [Murphy Crossing] project ballooned from an initial two phases up to a total of six phases of development;The developers reduced the proposed first phase of 310 residential units three times down to a proposed 105 residential units, less than a third of the units initially envisioned;The developers requested excessive and unreasonable public incentives including, for example, an ambiguous request for $38 million across all phases of the project, which would have been in addition to the discounts and favorable terms on the land, and certain real estate tax incentives that the project could have been eligible for;The developers requested an increase in the inspection period from an initial 120 days per the initial contract terms to over 280 days;The developers failed to move forward simultaneously on critical, pre-construction items like rezoning, financing, and other planning activities, which significantly delayed development of the site; The developers’ repeated requests for extensions of the inspection period had a ripple effect throughout the project’s critical path timeline because they would have required ABI to provide additional extensions and renegotiate critical dates; ABI offered a compelling incentive package to induce the developers to begin construction of the first phase of the project and to assist with needed infrastructure costs. Despite these attractive incentives, the developers continued to request material changes to the project. For example, ABI offered the developers nearly a $10 million incentive package for phase one of the project, excluding favorable terms on the land. However, after ABI agreed to provide this generous incentive package, the developers proposed to reduce the residential units they were planning to build in phase one even further from 160 units down to 105 units, while continuing to ask ABI for $12 million in public incentives. These repeated material changes not only would have further delayed the project, but they would have required ABI to continue altering its contractual terms with the developers; andThe developers were unable to secure sufficient capital to finance the project, but ABI did not immediately terminate its negotiations. Instead, ABI and its agency partners, Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, offered generous financing options, grants, and other public monies to the developers to help them get the project started. However, the developers failed to submit an application to either Invest Atlanta or AUDC to secure any of those funds.We’ve reached out to Culdesac officials for comment and will update this story with any additional information that comes. In last week’s AJC story, Culdesac officials said they don’t believe the Beltline had the right to terminate the purchase and sale agreement, while an Urban Oasis leader said his company had fulfilled all contractual obligations and was still ready to execute work on Murphy Crossing. Neither company lent an explanation as to why the Beltline deal had soured.
Murphy Crossing site rendering by Culdesac
Despite the setbacks, Beltline officials say they remain determined to see the redevelopment of Murphy Crossing through. The Beltline plans to host a virtual Murphy Crossing Stakeholder Advisory Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19, along with a larger meeting sometime in March. The public will be invited to tune in to both meetings for updates on Murphy Crossing, but only committee members will be permitted to ask questions or comment, per Beltline officials. By the fourth quarter of 2025, Beltline officials plan to fully entitle the Murphy Crossing site, a process that would include a Development of Regional Impact review at the state level. Planning efforts will continue between now and then, per officials. According to today’s announcement, the Beltline’s goal calls for breaking ground on Murphy Crossing’s first phase in 2026. What that might look like, clearly, remains to be seen.
The 20-acre property’s scope, bordered by a MARTA line in Southwest Atlanta.Photo by The Sintoses, courtesy of Atlanta BeltLine Inc.
…Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Oakland City news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
1050 Murphy Avenue
Murphy Crossing
Adair Park
West End
Capitol View
Atlanta BeltLine
Westside Trail
Culdesac
Urban Oasis Development
Kronberg Urbanists + Architects
LDG Consulting
T. Dallas Smith and Co.
Adaptive-Reuse
Atlanta Development
Oakland Exchange
Adaptive-Reuse Development
Atlanta History
BeltLine Development
Southwest Atlanta
I-Mix
Subtitle
Slashed home counts, unexplained costs, “ballooned” timelines played role, per Beltline leaders
Neighborhood
Oakland City
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Tariffs could have a chilling effect on home construction amid inventory crisis
Tariffs could have a chilling effect on home construction amid inventory crisis
Homebuilding, construction and development executives say planned federal tariffs would inevitably increase prices on key materials, and those costs would be passed along to consumers.
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Homebuilding, construction and development executives say planned federal tariffs would inevitably increase prices on key materials, and those costs would be passed along to consumers.
Tariffs could have a chilling effect on home construction amid inventory crisis
Tariffs could have a chilling effect on home construction amid inventory crisis
Homebuilding, construction and development executives say planned federal tariffs would inevitably increase prices on key materials, and those costs would be passed along to consumers.
Homebuilding, construction and development executives say planned federal tariffs would inevitably increase prices on key materials, and those costs would be passed along to consumers. Read MoreBizjournals.com Feed (2022-04-02 21:43:57)
Homebuilding, construction and development executives say planned federal tariffs would inevitably increase prices on key materials, and those costs would be passed along to consumers.
Exclusive: Full vision for upgraded Piedmont Park emerges
Exclusive: Full vision for upgraded Piedmont Park emerges
Exclusive: Full vision for upgraded Piedmont Park emerges
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 10:42
What could be the future look and functionality of Atlanta’s most-visited park is coming into clearer focus.
Piedmont Park Conservancy has provided imagery to Urbanize Atlanta (including a never-before-seen sketch depicting an enhanced Beltline connection) that illustrates how key areas of the 200-acre greenspace could be expanded or generally more accessible and pleasant soon.
The Conservancy also included notes explaining what’s shown in each visual.
They depict the park’s centerpiece Lake Clara Meer with a new boardwalk loop and other enhancements; a remade section along the Beltline’s recently finished Northeast Trail segment with new pathways and chances to experience Clear Creek up close; and perhaps most substantially, the long-planned North Park Expansion that would swap a commercial node where Piedmont Avenue meets Monroe Drive with park space, including an amphitheatre and new play features.
That expansion proposal has been garnering headlines since outgoing Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced it as part of a $100 million park project in 2017.
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Other areas of focus include enhancements to the Active Oval—Piedmont Park’s main hub of sports and exercise—and smaller beautification efforts, including upgraded entries, that have already begun.
The work is all part of Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan put together in 25 years.
One of the final opportunities to give in-person input for the park’s next chapter is scheduled for Saturday morning at Dockside in Piedmont Park, according to park officials. All recent sketches for park changes will be discussed at that input session.
“The park has been Atlanta’s backyard for over a century, and now, the community has [an] unique opportunity to help shape its future for generations to come,” Conservancy reps wrote in an email this week. Planned changes are “a pivotal step in ensuring that the park continues to serve the needs of its more than six million annual visitors.”
Last year, the nonprofit launched the Piedmont Park Conservancy 35th Anniversary Appeal, a campaign to raise $3 million for a masterplan to add new greenspace and acreage, implement enhancements and needed improvements, and generally help reimagine the park.
The finalized Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be revealed April 24 at the Conservancy’s 28th Annual Landmark Luncheon.
For now, here’s a closer look at three main areas identified for park upgrades and growth:
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…
If you go:
In-person feedback session
Where: Dockside in Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Ave. NE)
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8
Note: A virtual feedback platform is open until March 8 for those unable to attend
…
Follow us on social media:
Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram
• Midtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Exclusive: Full vision for upgraded Piedmont Park emerges
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 10:42
What could be the future look and functionality of Atlanta’s most-visited park is coming into clearer focus. Piedmont Park Conservancy has provided imagery to Urbanize Atlanta (including a never-before-seen sketch depicting an enhanced Beltline connection) that illustrates how key areas of the 200-acre greenspace could be expanded or generally more accessible and pleasant soon. The Conservancy also included notes explaining what’s shown in each visual. They depict the park’s centerpiece Lake Clara Meer with a new boardwalk loop and other enhancements; a remade section along the Beltline’s recently finished Northeast Trail segment with new pathways and chances to experience Clear Creek up close; and perhaps most substantially, the long-planned North Park Expansion that would swap a commercial node where Piedmont Avenue meets Monroe Drive with park space, including an amphitheatre and new play features. That expansion proposal has been garnering headlines since outgoing Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced it as part of a $100 million park project in 2017.
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Other areas of focus include enhancements to the Active Oval—Piedmont Park’s main hub of sports and exercise—and smaller beautification efforts, including upgraded entries, that have already begun. The work is all part of Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan put together in 25 years. One of the final opportunities to give in-person input for the park’s next chapter is scheduled for Saturday morning at Dockside in Piedmont Park, according to park officials. All recent sketches for park changes will be discussed at that input session. “The park has been Atlanta’s backyard for over a century, and now, the community has [an] unique opportunity to help shape its future for generations to come,” Conservancy reps wrote in an email this week. Planned changes are “a pivotal step in ensuring that the park continues to serve the needs of its more than six million annual visitors.”Last year, the nonprofit launched the Piedmont Park Conservancy 35th Anniversary Appeal, a campaign to raise $3 million for a masterplan to add new greenspace and acreage, implement enhancements and needed improvements, and generally help reimagine the park. The finalized Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be revealed April 24 at the Conservancy’s 28th Annual Landmark Luncheon. For now, here’s a closer look at three main areas identified for park upgrades and growth:
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…If you go: In-person feedback session Where: Dockside in Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Ave. NE)When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 Note: A virtual feedback platform is open until March 8 for those unable to attend…Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Midtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park Conservancy
Piedmont Park Comprehensive Plan
Atlanta Parks
Atlanta Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Atlanta Greenspaces
Midtown Parks
Midtown Projects
Park Tavern
Piedmont Park Expansion
Piedmont Park Upgrades
Beltline
Atlanta BeltLine
Northeast Trail
Images
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Subtitle
Draft plans call for northward park expansion, Lake Clara Meer upgrades
Neighborhood
Midtown
Background Image
Image
Before/After Images
Sponsored Post
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Exclusive: Full vision for upgraded Piedmont Park emerges
Josh Green
Wed, 02/05/2025 – 10:42
What could be the future look and functionality of Atlanta’s most-visited park is coming into clearer focus. Piedmont Park Conservancy has provided imagery to Urbanize Atlanta (including a never-before-seen sketch depicting an enhanced Beltline connection) that illustrates how key areas of the 200-acre greenspace could be expanded or generally more accessible and pleasant soon. The Conservancy also included notes explaining what’s shown in each visual. They depict the park’s centerpiece Lake Clara Meer with a new boardwalk loop and other enhancements; a remade section along the Beltline’s recently finished Northeast Trail segment with new pathways and chances to experience Clear Creek up close; and perhaps most substantially, the long-planned North Park Expansion that would swap a commercial node where Piedmont Avenue meets Monroe Drive with park space, including an amphitheatre and new play features. That expansion proposal has been garnering headlines since outgoing Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced it as part of a $100 million park project in 2017.
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Other areas of focus include enhancements to the Active Oval—Piedmont Park’s main hub of sports and exercise—and smaller beautification efforts, including upgraded entries, that have already begun. The work is all part of Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan put together in 25 years. One of the final opportunities to give in-person input for the park’s next chapter is scheduled for Saturday morning at Dockside in Piedmont Park, according to park officials. All recent sketches for park changes will be discussed at that input session. “The park has been Atlanta’s backyard for over a century, and now, the community has [an] unique opportunity to help shape its future for generations to come,” Conservancy reps wrote in an email this week. Planned changes are “a pivotal step in ensuring that the park continues to serve the needs of its more than six million annual visitors.”Last year, the nonprofit launched the Piedmont Park Conservancy 35th Anniversary Appeal, a campaign to raise $3 million for a masterplan to add new greenspace and acreage, implement enhancements and needed improvements, and generally help reimagine the park. The finalized Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be revealed April 24 at the Conservancy’s 28th Annual Landmark Luncheon. For now, here’s a closer look at three main areas identified for park upgrades and growth:
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…………..
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
…If you go: In-person feedback session Where: Dockside in Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Ave. NE)When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 Note: A virtual feedback platform is open until March 8 for those unable to attend…Follow us on social media: Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram • Midtown news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)
Tags
Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park Conservancy
Piedmont Park Comprehensive Plan
Atlanta Parks
Atlanta Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation
Atlanta Greenspaces
Midtown Parks
Midtown Projects
Park Tavern
Piedmont Park Expansion
Piedmont Park Upgrades
Beltline
Atlanta BeltLine
Northeast Trail
Images
Overview of three main focus areas in Piedmont Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in a quarter-century. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Planned upgrades around Piedmont Park’s centerpiece lake. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
How the park would better link with the Beltline’s Northeast Trail just east of Atlanta Botanical Garden and the park’s elevated Legacy Fountain. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
Draft sketch for the long-planned expansion around today’s North Meadow, with an expanded Atlanta Botanical Garden shown at bottom left and Monroe Drive at top right. Courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy
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Draft plans call for northward park expansion, Lake Clara Meer upgrades
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Hotel, Housing and More Proposed for Howell Mill Road
Hotel, Housing and More Proposed for Howell Mill Road
A mixed-use project proposed for West Midtown would create three buildings of residential and commercial space.
The project referred to as “981 Howell Mill Mixed-Use Development” in documents would include three buildings with “multifamily residential, commercial and hotel uses,” according to a recent Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) filing. The development could be nearly 1.1 million square feet, according to the filing.
The team behind the filing is ANiMAL, an Atlanta-based real estate firm and joint development partner in the Star Metals District with the Allen Morris Company. According to the firm, they purchased the site in March 2020 at a price of $11 million. The site was formerly occupied by the Atlanta Human Society complex.
According to ANiMAL, the project “breaks the mold by prioritizing cutting-edge urban design and public green space.”
The mixed-use development has an estimated completion date of 2030, according to the DRI filing.
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Real Estate, 981 Howell Mill, Allen Morris Company, ANiMAL, Star Metals District, west midtown The mixed-use project at the former Atlanta Humane Society complex would include three buildings. Read MoreWhat Now AtlantaReal Estate – What Now Atlanta
The mixed-use project at the former Atlanta Humane Society complex would include three buildings.
Marietta Home Features Hidden Speakeasy
Marietta Home Features Hidden Speakeasy
This Marietta home welcomes you with sophisticated details, from elegant design to modern upgrades. But beyond the stylish interiors and thoughtful finishes lies something unexpected: a hidden speakeasy that transforms this residence into a truly one-of-a-kind retreat.
Inside, a grand two-story family room features a striking herringbone tile accent wall framing a cozy fireplace with open shelving. Expertly crafted, the open-concept kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, walk-in pantry, and sprawling quartz island, while the vaulted keeping room, warmed by a second wood-burning fireplace, provides a relaxed space for casual dining or unwinding after a long day.
The main-level primary suite provides a private escape, complete with a spa-like bath and a custom walk-in closet. Upstairs, three additional bedrooms, including a Jack-and-Jill layout and a private ensuite, ensure plenty of space for family and guests.
While every inch of this home exudes quality, the true hidden gem lies on the terrace level. What appears to be a beautifully finished basement holds a secret marvel—a concealed entrance leading to a meticulously designed speakeasy, crafted by the renowned Hawkins and Gray Design firm.
Rich, moody tones and carefully curated details set the scene for an immersive experience. Whether you’re hosting a poker night, enjoying a drink at the bar, or gathering around the billiards table, this space transports you to another era. The media lounge adds another layer of entertainment, making it the perfect setting for everything from classic film nights to private celebrations.
Beyond the speakeasy, the terrace level also includes a spacious guest suite, full bath, and recreation area. Step outside to find even more entertainment possibilities—a built-in grill, paver patio, and firepit create the ultimate backyard setting for hosting friends or unwinding by the fire.
Whether you’re drawn to its elegant design, incredible location, or the hidden lounge awaiting the terrace, this Cadence home is a rare find —place to live, a space to entertain, and a secret worth sharing.
Listed by Katie Belew with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, this home is located at 3177 Capriole Drive Marietta, GA 30062.
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Real Estate, Harry Norman, Harry Norman Realtors, Katie Belew Meticulously designed lounge offers opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. Read MoreWhat Now AtlantaReal Estate – What Now Atlanta
Meticulously designed lounge offers opportunities for entertainment and relaxation.
Master-Planned Community to Bring Housing, Retail and More to Bartow County
Master-Planned Community to Bring Housing, Retail and More to Bartow County
A master-planned community is in the works northwest of Atlanta in Bartow County.
Global real estate investment manager Hines has announced a partnership with the Aubrey Corporation to create a new mixed-use village and employment center consisting of about 2,400 acres.
The mixed-use project is slated to include shops, restaurants, hotels and residences, as well as up to ten million square feet of new manufacturing, data center and logistics facilities. Trails, parks and walkways would link elements of the community.
A range of shopping and dining options are envisioned for Aubrey Village, including a grocery store, large-format national retailers, and local and regional restaurants and shops. A central green space would be activated by community events and serve as the heart of the village.
As for the residential component, there would be single-family homes, townhomes and apartments for approximately 2,800 families. All sections of the development would be connected via a primary roadway called Aubrey Parkway.
“Aubrey Village will provide a next-generation mixed-use village, unlike anything in Bartow County, that will be the foundation for economic growth and community engagement in the Atlanta suburbs,” said Michael Harrison, Senior Managing Director, Head of U.S. Sunbelt for Hines. “The project prioritizes the preservation and expansion of Bartow County’s green space and natural resources, while creating a strategic mix of uses in a live-work-play-learn environment that embraces pedestrian oriented design.”
According to the announcement, the project is expected to be completed over the next ten to 12 years in several phases, with Hines expecting to break ground in late 2025 or 2026.
Jim Ramseur and Samantha Wheeler with Lee & Associates represented the Aubrey Corporation in venture formation. Ramseur Real Estate Advisors will act as the managing consultant for the ventures’ commercial and residential parcels moving forward, according to the announcement.
“We could not be more pleased to be partnering with Hines,” Aubrey Corporation President Bob Neel said in a statement. “The 100-year family-owned values and conservation legacy are shared by both the Aubrey Corporation and the Hines family.”
Keep up with What Now Atlanta’s restaurant, retail, and real estate scoop by subscribing to our newsletter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter. Opening a restaurant? Browse our Preferred Partners.
Real Estate, Aubrey Corporation, Bartow County, Bob Neel, Hines, Lee & Associates, Michael Harrison, Ramseur Real Estate Advisors, Samantha Wheeler Aubrey Village is slated to include shops, restaurants and more. Read MoreWhat Now AtlantaReal Estate – What Now Atlanta
Aubrey Village is slated to include shops, restaurants and more.
Atlanta Office Market on Rebound
Atlanta Office Market on Rebound
A recently released Transwestern Atlanta office report indicates that the sector is showing signs of life.
Absorption: Companies that have kicked the can for the last couple of years are finally starting to make real estate decisions, resulting in the first positive absorption quarter for the Atlanta market in over two years.
Vacancy: Atlanta always carries a high vacancy rate compared to other metros, even in good market conditions. The delivery of three vacant buildings totaling 869,524 SF contributed to an increase in the market’s direct vacancy of 40 basis points or 25%.
Sublease Space: Sublease inventory has declined 4.2% over the last two quarters, with the completion of several large transactions.
Construction: The amount of space under construction has hit a 14-year low (for SF underway), partly due to leasing pessimism and high construction costs.
The post Atlanta Office Market on Rebound appeared first on Connect CRE.
A recently released Transwestern Atlanta office report indicates that the sector is showing signs of life.Absorption: Companies that have kicked the can for the last couple of years are finally starting to make real estate decisions, resulting in the first positive absorption quarter for the Atlanta market in over two years. Vacancy: Atlanta always carries a high …
The post Atlanta Office Market on Rebound appeared first on Connect CRE. Read MoreAtlanta Commercial Real Estate News
A recently released Transwestern Atlanta office report indicates that the sector is showing signs of life.Absorption: Companies that have kicked the can for the last couple of years are finally starting to make real estate decisions, resulting in the first positive absorption quarter for the Atlanta market in over two years. Vacancy: Atlanta always carries a high …
The post Atlanta Office Market on Rebound appeared first on Connect CRE.
Branch Properties Greenlighted for Gainesville Town Center
Branch Properties Greenlighted for Gainesville Town Center
Branch Properties received unanimous rezoning approval from the City of Gainesville for Lakeshore, the 49-acre mixed-use redevelopment of Lakeshore Mall. Branch Properties will break ground on Lakeshore in late 2026, and completion is anticipated in 2028. Positioned between Lake Lanier and Interstate 985, Lakeshore is anticipated to become Gainesville’s premier town center. Gainesville is a town of just over 40,000 residents NE of Atlanta.
At full buildout, Lakeshore will feature 305,444 square feet of retail space, 652 multifamily residential units and 38,200 square feet of outdoor community greenspace. The redevelopment will also include capacity for a hotel and townhomes in future phases. Anchors Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk will remain open throughout the transformation, with Dick’s Sporting Goods relocating within the property. Franklin Street’s Len Erickson will work in tandem with Branch Properties on the retail leasing.
The post Branch Properties Greenlighted for Gainesville Town Center appeared first on Connect CRE.
Branch Properties received unanimous rezoning approval from the City of Gainesville for Lakeshore, the 49-acre mixed-use redevelopment of Lakeshore Mall. Branch Properties will break ground on Lakeshore in late 2026, and completion is anticipated in 2028. Positioned between Lake Lanier and Interstate 985, Lakeshore is anticipated to become Gainesville’s premier town center. Gainesville is a town …
The post Branch Properties Greenlighted for Gainesville Town Center appeared first on Connect CRE. Read MoreAtlanta Metro Commercial Real Estate News
Branch Properties received unanimous rezoning approval from the City of Gainesville for Lakeshore, the 49-acre mixed-use redevelopment of Lakeshore Mall. Branch Properties will break ground on Lakeshore in late 2026, and completion is anticipated in 2028. Positioned between Lake Lanier and Interstate 985, Lakeshore is anticipated to become Gainesville’s premier town center. Gainesville is a town …
The post Branch Properties Greenlighted for Gainesville Town Center appeared first on Connect CRE.
Federal spending cuts may leave low-income housing programs in limbo
Federal spending cuts may leave low-income housing programs in limbo
Housing affordability has emerged as a signature issue across the country, for both renters and homebuyers, especially since the pandemic.
Housing affordability has emerged as a signature issue across the country, for both renters and homebuyers, especially since the pandemic. Read MoreBizjournals.com Feed (2019-09-06 17:16:48)
Housing affordability has emerged as a signature issue across the country, for both renters and homebuyers, especially since the pandemic.