Atlanta celebrated a major milestone today with the ribbon-cutting of Legacy at East Lake, the newly renovated senior community at 380 Eva Davis Way SE.
Formerly known as East Lake Highrise, the 50-year-old building has been completely modernized through a $35 million redevelopment led by Columbia Residential in partnership with Atlanta Housing, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Invest Atlanta, Truist, and other partners. The project preserves 149 deeply affordable homes for residents 55 and older, ensuring long-term stability in one of Atlanta’s fastest-changing neighborhoods.
Then and Now
Originally built in the 1970s, East Lake Highrise was showing its age. Critical infrastructure like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and elevators needed full replacement. Today, that same building has been reborn as Legacy at East Lake, featuring energy-efficient systems, modern insulation, and fresh, durable interiors.
New amenities include a computer and business center, theater room, and fitness facilities. Most importantly, rents are capped at 30% of a household’s income, thanks to project-based vouchers and layered financing. Of the 121 residents who relocated during construction, 72 have already returned, showing that East Lake is still home.
A Place to Call Home
“Legacy at East Lake is a promise kept…for the folks who have called this neighborhood home for decades, and for those beginning a new chapter here,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “Atlanta’s seniors are the heart of our city, and my administration is committed to making sure you can age with dignity, safety, and community.”
Atlanta Housing President and CEO Terri Lee, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn, and Columbia Residential President Carmen Chubb joined the Mayor in celebrating the reopening, along with Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari and East Lake Foundation President Ilham Askia.
Why It Matters
With 14 percent of Atlanta households experiencing food or housing insecurity, projects like Legacy at East Lake are crucial to keeping neighborhoods stable and equitable. Mayor Dickens highlighted that nearly 7,000 affordable homes have been created or preserved citywide, with more than 5,000 in the pipeline on the way to the City’s goal of 20,000 by 2030.
“Atlanta is a group project,” Mayor Dickens said. “From this redevelopment to big projects across the city, progress happens thanks to dedicated teams like Atlanta Housing, our city staff, developers, financial institutions, state and federal partners, and our residents who have worked together to protect and uplift East Lake for decades.”
Learn more about Atlanta Housing initiatives at atlantahousing.org.
