A significant development in downtown Atlanta is poised to begin construction shortly, as the Teachers Village project prepares to break ground on October 20.
This 457,584-square-foot residential high-rise will feature 33 stories near Centennial Olympic Park, marking an essential step toward addressing the pressing need for affordable housing targeting educators and other community members.
The New Jersey-based RBH Group, responsible for the project, indicated that initial designs were shared back in 2021.
Originally, the timeline anticipated construction to start in 2024, but subsequent delays have pushed the project forward to the upcoming October date.
Teachers Village is planned to encompass 424 apartments, all designed to cater to affordability, with no units available at market rate.
Both S9 Architecture and a 2023 building permit application have confirmed details regarding the tower, although there has been some inconsistency in the floor count; while RBH officials mention 31 floors, earlier designs suggested 33 stories.
This ambitious project, standing at 375 feet, aims to set a precedent for Oklahoma by offering living accommodations exclusively for educators, school staff, and seniors, promoting relatively affordable housing options.
The breakdown of units shows a focus on independent living for seniors, with 227 apartments designated for this demographic.
The remaining 197 will provide workforce housing, highlighting the commitment to affordable options in downtown Atlanta.
In a recent update from project representatives, it was revealed that 10 percent of the apartments, equating to 23 units, will cater to renters earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income (AMI).
The balance will support those making below 120 percent AMI, although it is essential to note that these rates can still reflect significant costs for potential renters.
Converting a surface parking lot on the 0.92-acre site, Teachers Village will also retain an existing parking garage.
Situated in the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District and bordered by Cone Street, Ted Turner Drive, and Walton Street, the site is strategically located a block away from the vibrant Centennial Olympic Park.
An additional feature of the development includes approximately 23,000 square feet of retail space along Walton Street, spread across two stories, designed to enhance the area with shops and dining options.
Overall, the project plans to incorporate about 371 parking spaces to accommodate residents and visitors.
RBH Group aims to fill the downtown housing void, introducing a vision of shared, intergenerational living where residents engage actively in their community and lead purposeful lives, as emphasized in their marketing materials.
In terms of amenities, plans indicate a rooftop swimming pool and sun deck, alongside landscaped terraces situated atop the parking podium.
Moreover, the development will comply with the minimum requirement of at least 43 bike parking spaces integrated into eight racks.
Within the structure, higher floors will host apartments specifically designed for educators, while lower levels will feature independent living units for seniors.
These two categories will be accessible through separate ground-level lobbies, promoting a clear distinction between the offerings.
In 2021, Invest Atlanta played a role in supporting this initiative by approving a $4-million Tax Allocation District grant in conjunction with $26 million in tax-exempt bond financing aimed at aiding the teachers’ housing segment.
RBH has reiterated its success in similar initiatives in Newark and Hartford, showcasing its capability to address workforce housing needs effectively.
The Teachers Village tower will join a growing number of residential constructions that have recently transformed the downtown landscape, particularly from previous parking lots and older structures.
This site is conveniently located near two other significant residential developments: a 32-story student housing tower, which recently opened, and a 22-story Margaritaville resort condo building that has also added to the region’s residential options in the years prior.
With the completion date set for 2027, Teachers Village aims to significantly contribute to the housing landscape and community vibrancy in downtown Atlanta.
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