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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Atlanta Housing and Partners Break Ground on First Phase of Atlanta Civic Center Redevelopment
148affordable senior housing units to anchor the start of a multi-phase, 19-acretransformation
ATLANTA– 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.
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:
“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 in2014. 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:
ABOUT ATLANTA HOUSING
President and Chief Executive Officer Terri M. Lee leads The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. AH carries the prestigious Moving to Work(MTW) designation and serves as an industry leader in providing and facilitating affordable housing resources for nearly 27,000 low-income households comprised of approximately 43,000 people through its AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based and project-based vouchers, supportive housing, as well as down payment assistance, where innovation leads the approach to making the dream of homeownership attainable for more Atlantans. Atlanta Housing programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Visit AH at www.atlantahousing.org or follow us on social media @housingatlanta.
Contact: Joe Henke
Joe.Henke@AtlantaHousing.org
(470) 693-1341
