Atlanta took another major step toward expanding affordable, supportive housing this week as Mayor Andre Dickens joined partners to cut the ribbon on Waterworks Village — a first-of-its-kind modular development bringing 100 new studio units to residents transitioning out of homelessness.
Under bright skies and brisk December temperatures, city leaders, nonprofit partners, philanthropic supporters, and builders gathered on Green Street NW to mark a project that shows what’s possible when Atlanta combines innovation with urgency.
A New Model for Fast, High-Quality Housing
Waterworks Village is Atlanta’s first modular multifamily community, built to deliver homes faster and more efficiently than traditional construction. What was once underused land owned by the Department of Watershed Management has been transformed into a two-building village featuring:
- 100 fully equipped studio apartments
- Four on-site offices for case managers and service providers
- Supportive programming designed to help residents stabilize and thrive
The project is part of the City’s Rapid Housing Initiative, which reimagines vacant or underutilized public land and fast-tracks it into housing for the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“This is a good use of taxpayer resources and a clear investment in human dignity,” Mayor Dickens told attendees. “When it’s 44 degrees outside like it is today, a warm, safe home can be the difference between life and death.”
Another Milestone Toward 500 Permanent Supportive Homes
Atlanta has committed to creating 500 permanent supportive homes, a cornerstone of the Mayor’s vision for One City with One Bright Future. With Waterworks Village online, the city now has nearly 400 units completed, alongside developments such as The Melody, Bonaventure, and the recently opened Winnwood Apartments.
City leaders emphasized that this work is not just about construction — it’s about stability, upward mobility, and ensuring every resident has a safe place to rebuild their life.
Chief of Staff Courtney English, Atlanta City Councilmembers, Partners for HOME, Atlantica Properties, Invest Atlanta, philanthropic partners, service providers, and longtime advocates were all recognized for helping move the project from concept to completion.
Built Through Partnership, Delivered With Purpose
Waterworks Village reflects the collaboration that defines Atlanta’s approach to housing: the city identifies land and policy tools, partners for HOME coordinates the homelessness response system, builders and architects innovate to deliver faster results, and service providers offer the wraparound support residents need to succeed.
“Atlanta came together to get this done—the same way we come together on every project that moves our city forward,” the Mayor said.
What’s Next
Tours of the new units followed the ceremony, giving attendees a firsthand look at the compact, efficient, move-in-ready spaces that will soon be home to 100 Atlantans.
The City and its partners will begin welcoming residents in the coming weeks.
