City of Atlanta announces acquisition of Mall West End for mixed-use project

The City of Atlanta announced the acquisition of Mall West End in partnership with Atlanta Urban Development and Atlanta Beltline, Inc.

Funding includes a $5 million acquisition loan from Atlanta Urban Development, $5 million from Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and $19 million in acquisition financing provided by Merchants Capital.

The city announced in July that the 12-acre site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use project led by BRP Companies and The Prusik Group.

The acquisition is the first step in the approximate $450 million redevelopment of the historic property into a mixed-income, mixed-use affordable housing development. The redevelopment will also offer “inclusive commercial space for a diverse business community—most importantly including legacy small businesses,” according to a press release from the city.

“This is a long-awaited new era for the West End. This is not just a redevelopment of the Mall West End—this is fulfilling a commitment to a community,” Mayor Andre Dickens said in the press release. “Our Administration is dedicated to creating affordable housing and vibrant business spaces that respect and preserve the rich legacy of this historic neighborhood. Together with our partners, we will work to ensure the heart and soul of the West End continues to thrive under our stewardship.”

Once a hub for African-American commerce and community, West End boasts a legacy of historic architecture, eclectic art scene and a variety of cultural events.

“This is the moment the West End community—and all of District 4—have been working towards for years. Thanks to the resilience of legacy residents, business owners and the surrounding communities; and the hard work of our office, Mayor Dickens and his team and so many other partners, we can preserve an authentic cultural experience for future generations of West End and Atlanta residents,” Dist. 4 Councilmember Jason Dozier said in the press release.

Construction on the Mall West End redevelopment is expected to begin in 2025, with phase one completion slated for 2026.

The current plan includes:

• Approximately 125,000 square feet of retail, including a grocery store, fitness center, food & beverage, and local boutiques
• Approximately 900 mixed-income rental units, with 70% workforce housing, 20% affordable at 50% AMI, and 10% at 80% AMI
• A minimum of 10,00 square foot of affordable commercial space allocated for qualified small, local businesses
• Student-targeted housing
• A planned 150-key hotel
• A planned 12,000 square feet of medical office space
• Extensive community amenities such as activated street scape, fitness center, resident lounges, and bike parking

Along with the plan and in coordination with the Atlanta Beltline, the developer intends to establish a fund that will provide qualifying commercial tenants with rent credits and tenant improvement allowances. The developer has made an initial commitment to fund no less than $500,000 for this effort.

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