If you’ve ever driven down Sawtell Road in southeast Atlanta, you’ve probably passed the old Lakewood Heights Elementary School. The red-brick building has stood quiet for years, tucked between tree-lined streets and family homes.
Now, the City of Atlanta is inviting developers to reimagine the space as something new: a mixed-use community that brings together affordable housing and neighborhood-friendly retail.
Earlier this month, the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the project. The goal? Turn the former school site into a place where families can live, small businesses can thrive, and the community can grow—without leaving long-time residents behind.
“The redevelopment of Lakewood Heights Elementary is a crucial step in our efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in Atlanta,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “This initiative aligns with our vision of building a city where all residents have access to quality housing and essential services.”
A Vision for Growth with Roots in the Community
The Lakewood Heights site includes 2.15 acres of publicly owned land at 335 Sawtell Rd SE, which was declared surplus by Atlanta Public Schools in 2023. Under a partnership between APS and AUD, the site is now being offered to developers who can demonstrate the experience and resources needed to bring this vision to life.
The city envisions:
- Approximately 55 units of rental housing, mostly 2- and 3-bedroom homes
- 8,000 square feet of commercial space, with room for neighborhood shops or services
- A pedestrian-friendly design, rooted in community feedback
- And, where possible, preservation of the original school building
“Our goal is to create a mixed-income housing development that not only addresses the urgent need for affordable housing but also stimulates local economic growth and enhances neighborhood vitality,” said John Majors, CEO of the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation.
Developers Wanted—Here’s How to Get Involved
Interested developers have until August 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET to submit their qualifications via atlurbdevco.com.
To help applicants get familiar with the site and the project, AUD is hosting a Q&A and Bus Tour on Thursday, July 16 from 2–4 p.m. at Focused Community Strategies. You can register to attend in person or virtually here.
A Community-Backed Future
The plan for Lakewood Heights isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s built on conversations with residents who want growth—but also want to stay. The priorities they’ve voiced are clear: protect the character of the neighborhood, bring in needed amenities, and make sure the housing is affordable to the families who live here now.
That community voice is echoed at every level of the project—from APS, which is working to responsibly steward its unused properties, to AUD, which is leading a new era of public land development in Atlanta.
“This project is an illustration of the district’s commitment to continuing to find ways to best leverage community assets in innovative ways,” said Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson.
Bigger Than One Property
This initiative is part of Mayor Dickens’ larger plan to build or preserve 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030. The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation is a key partner in that effort, using creative financial tools and partnerships to turn underused public land into vibrant, mixed-income communities.
To learn more about AUD’s mission—or read the full RFQ—visit atlurbdevco.com.
