Atlanta took an important step forward yesterday as Mayor Andre Dickens joined Atlanta Housing and development partners to break ground on the first phase of the long-awaited Atlanta Civic Center redevelopment — a project that will bring hundreds of affordable homes, new community spaces, and a renewed sense of purpose to one of the city’s most storied 19-acre sites.
For many Atlantans, the Civic Center isn’t just a building — it’s a landmark woven into the city’s cultural memory. Now, it’s becoming a place where older residents can live with dignity and where future generations will learn, gather, and grow.
What’s Happening Now
The first phase under construction will deliver 148 affordable senior housing units, including:
- 118 homes for individuals earning 60% AMI or below
- 30 homes for individuals 50% AMI or below
These homes are designed specifically for older Atlantans — ensuring the people who helped build this city can continue to age in place and remain connected to their communities.
The groundbreaking ceremony included leadership from Atlanta Housing, The Michaels Organization, Sophy Companies, Republic Properties Corporation, Invest Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, HUD, and additional public and private partners.
Mayor Dickens recognized the strength of the partnership and reaffirmed the City of Atlanta’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable housing.
A Site with Deep History — and a Resurgence Ahead
Long before the Civic Center stood here, this area was home to Buttermilk Bottom, a vibrant Black neighborhood erased under “urban renewal.” During his remarks, Mayor Dickens honored the families who once lived on this land and emphasized the importance of rebuilding with purpose and respect for the past.
This redevelopment represents resurgence, not displacement — an opportunity to restore belonging, opportunity, and community benefit to a place that has carried both pride and pain for Atlanta.
The Vision for the Full 19-Acre Redevelopment
Yesterday’s milestone is only the beginning. Future phases of the redevelopment are planned to include:
- More than 1,500 mixed-income housing units
- A grocery store
- Retail and cultural space
- A new arts-focused public high school
- Preservation of the existing performing arts center
It will stand as one of the city’s most significant redevelopment efforts — a collaborative project designed to deliver long-term neighborhood and citywide impact.
Why This Matters for Residents
This project advances Mayor Dickens’ vision of a City of Opportunity for All, delivering:
- More affordable homes for seniors
- New cultural and educational amenities
- Neighborhood-serving retail
- A redevelopment approach that honors history
As the Mayor shared, the transformation of this site is “sacred work” — a chance to learn from the past, keep the city’s promises, and move Atlanta forward together.
What’s Next
Construction on the first phase is now underway. Atlanta Housing and its development team will continue to update residents as the project progresses into future phases.
Residents can learn more at AtlantaHousing.org or through ongoing updates from the City of Atlanta and partners.
