148 affordable senior housing units to anchor the start of a multi-phase, 19-acre transformation
Dec. 12, ATLANTA, GA – Atlanta Housing, in partnership with The Michaels Organization, Sophy Companies, and Republic Properties Tuesday broke ground on the first phase of the highly anticipated redevelopment of the historic 19-acre Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center site.
“Redeveloping the Atlanta Civic Center is an investment in Atlanta’s future,” said Terri M. Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing. “Phase I reflects our commitment to honoring this site’s history while delivering high-quality, accessible housing and opportunity for generations to come. With this week’s groundbreaking, we are not just building homes; we are restoring purpose to land that has shaped Atlanta for more than a century.”
Phase I: Affordable Homes for Seniors
Supported by $64 million in public and private financing, Phase I will deliver 148 affordable senior housing units on approximately one acre of the site.
- 118 units will serve individuals earning below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- 30 units will serve individuals earning below 50% of AMI
- Construction beginning this month, with completion expected by late 2027
A Vision Rooted in History, Designed for the Future
Located adjacent to the Old Fourth Ward and on land once home to the historic Buttermilk Bottom neighborhood, the Civic Center redevelopment will transform the site into a dynamic, mixed-use community that blends housing, culture and public amenities. The full redevelopment plan includes:
- 1,500 new apartments spanning affordable and market-rate levels
- Retail, cultural, and performance spaces
- Public plazas, offices, a hotel, grocery store and school
- A repurposed performing arts center
“This land lived many lives before it became the Atlanta Civic Center, and its story runs deep in Atlanta’s history. This place has seen joy and loss, land that has seen families displaced and students walking across stages to claim brighter futures,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Now, it becomes part of a resurgence, a return to purpose for a place that can now connect our city’s history to its future. Thank you to everyone who helped make this moment possible—proving Atlanta keeps our promises, we learn from our history and we always move forward, together.”
Layered Financing and Strong Partner Collaboration
Phase I financing includes a capital loan and rental assistance from Atlanta Housing; federal 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity; Georgia State Tax Credit equity; and soft funding from the City of Atlanta, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, and a Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati AHP grant. The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, in partnership with the Reinvestment Fund, provided a below-market second mortgage. KeyBank delivered LIHTC equity, originated a $39.1 million construction loan, and arranged a Fannie Mae permanent loan. Advantage Capital provided State Tax Credit equity.
“This groundbreaking is not only a celebration of the progress and future for this site, but a testament to the diligence of our partners. We are proud to partner with Atlanta Housing, The Michaels Organization, and Republic Properties to advance a shared vision that keeps affordability, design excellence, inclusivity and cultural legacy at the heart of this transformation,” said Michael Green, CEO of Sophy Companies. “The Atlanta Civic Center redevelopment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect a historic neighborhood through inclusive and intentional development,”
Regional VP of Development for The Michaels Organization, Greg Olson, celebrated the next chapter: “With the Civic Center groundbreaking, we salute the hard work from multiple partnerships that have culminated over the past two years. Together, we’re marking the start of a new chapter for this historic Atlanta neighborhood and ensuring our future residents can enjoy the high-quality, affordable housing that they deserve.”
“Republic is proud to work alongside our public and private partners on this monumental project and excited to begin the first phase of a vibrant new community that will deliver mixed-income housing, public spaces, and serve as a cultural hub showcasing Atlanta’s reputation as a thriving center for arts, culture, and creativity,” said Jordan Kramer of Republic Properties Corporation.
A Legacy Site Returning to Public Use
The Civic Center originally opened in 1968 as part of a broader effort to redefine Atlanta’s civic identity. The surrounding area, reshaped during the Bedford Pine Neighborhood Development Program, became a central hub for cultural performances, graduations, and community life until the Civic Center closed in 2014. Atlanta Housing acquired the 19-acre property in 2017 with the goal of returning the land to public use and expanding housing opportunity.
Civic Center Redevelopment at a Glance:
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- Housing Units:
- Phase I: 148 affordable senior units
- Full Redevelopment: 1,500 total units (590 affordable)
- Site Size: 19 acres
- Housing Units:
- Timeline
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- Phase I construction start: December 2025
- Phase I housing available: Late 2027
- Development Partners
- The Michaels Organization
- Republic Properties Corporation
- Sophy Companies
- Financial Partners: City of Atlanta, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Reinvestment Fund, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Key Bank, Advantage Capital, Georgia Department of Community Affairs
- General Contractor: Winter Johnson Group
Architect: Goode Van Slyke Architecture
