A long-vacant property in Atlanta’s English Avenue neighborhood has been transformed into new affordable housing and retail space, marking another step forward in the community’s ongoing revitalization.
On Thursday, Mayor Andre Dickens joined residents, community leaders and project partners to celebrate the opening of 880 North, a mixed-use development at North Avenue and Lindsay Street.
The project features six affordable housing units for households earning between 50% and 80% of the Area Median Income, along with two retail spaces designed for local food and beverage businesses.
A New Chapter for a Vacant Property
For years, the site sat empty. Today, it’s home to new housing, opportunities for small businesses and another investment in the future of English Avenue.
Mayor Dickens said projects like 880 North show that neighborhood investment and affordability can go hand in hand.
“A great city isn’t measured only by the projects we build,” he said. “It’s measured by whether folks can afford to live in the neighborhoods they love.”
The project was developed by OaksATL with support from the City of Atlanta through HOME funds and from Invest Atlanta through Westside Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding.
Housing That Works for Residents
City leaders say developments like 880 North are an important part of Atlanta’s strategy to expand affordable housing while helping longtime residents remain in the neighborhoods they call home.
During the ceremony, Mayor Dickens noted that Atlanta is approaching 14,000 affordable housing units that have been completed, are under construction or have been funded toward the city’s goal of creating or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030.
He also highlighted the importance of partnerships between nonprofits, private developers, community organizations and residents in making those projects possible.
Supporting Small Businesses Too
In addition to housing, 880 North includes two affordable retail spaces that will provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs, particularly food and beverage businesses.
City leaders say combining housing with neighborhood-serving businesses creates stronger, more connected communities while bringing new activity to commercial corridors.
Investing in the Westside
Mayor Dickens said the project reflects the City’s broader commitment to investing in neighborhoods like English Avenue through affordable housing, economic development and community partnerships.
He pointed to initiatives like the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative and the use of TAD funding as examples of how Atlanta is working to ensure more neighborhoods benefit from the city’s continued growth.
As new residents move into 880 North and future businesses prepare to open their doors, the project represents another investment aimed at helping English Avenue continue to grow while preserving opportunities for the people who already call the neighborhood home.
