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Atlanta Housing’s Bold Step Forward with Bowen Homes Phase I

In a pivotal move to revitalization and community support, Atlanta Housing (AH) has reached a significant milestone in collaboration with Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and other partners. The financial closure for Bowen Homes Phase I, with a budget of $63.6 million, signals the commencement of a transformative project intended to rejuvenate the historic Bowen Homes site and the surrounding neighborhoods of Brookview Heights and Carey Park.

This initiative is not just a construction project; it embodies a vision for community-centric redevelopment. Thanks to a generous $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, Bowen Phase I will introduce 151 diverse units to the housing landscape of Atlanta, with a significant portion of them being affordable housing options.

Empowering the Community

According to Terri Lee, the President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, this redevelopment project aims to serve not only as housing but as a beacon of empowerment and opportunity. "Bowen is poised to be a national model for neighborhood transformation, an anchor for progress in Carey Park, and a testament to the power of community-focused redevelopment," she remarked. The project seeks to address vital community needs and ensure families have the resources necessary for generational success.

Bowen Homes Phase I is designed with the community’s welfare in mind, featuring 97 units allocated for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Additionally, ten units are earmarked for workforce housing, supporting essential workers such as teachers and nurses who contribute significantly to the community yet struggle to afford housing. The remaining 44 units will be market-rate, fostering an environment of economic diversity and integration.

A Vision for Neighborhood Enhancement

The broader vision for the Brookview Heights and Carey Park areas includes more than 2,000 rental and homeownership units, sustainable greenspaces, and improved infrastructure. Atlanta Housing is committed to creating a mixed-income development that comprises retail and community amenities, as outlined in HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The revitalization plan also focuses on three core pillars:

1. Housing: Developing modern, mixed-income housing suited for diverse demographic needs.
2. People: Connecting residents to employment, educational opportunities, and healthcare services.
3. Neighborhood: Enhancing safety, educational institutions, and commercial areas to strengthen community bonds.

With an impressive total of over $523 million pledged from both public and private sector commitments, this project is set to invigorate segments of the Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and James Jackson Parkway corridors, transforming them into vibrant community spaces.

Construction and Future Outlook

Construction of Bowen Phase I is set to kick off in January 2025, with major groundwork already underway. Capstone Building Corporation, appointed as the general contractor, is gearing up for the tasks that lie ahead. The anticipation surrounding this initiative mirrors the urgency to provide affordable housing solutions and uplift community standards. Phase I is expected to reach completion by late 2026, marking a significant achievement in Atlanta Housing’s long-term vision.

Ultimately, the redevelopment of Bowen Homes represents a conceptual shift in affordable housing, aiming to create an inclusive and thriving community. It draws inspiration from the voices of former residents and current community members, ensuring that the development honors its legacy while paving the way toward a brighter future for all.

About Atlanta Housing

Atlanta Housing (AH), led by President and CEO Terri M. Lee, serves as Georgia's largest housing authority and one of the largest in the USA. AH plays a vital role in providing affordable housing resources to approximately 27,000 low-income households, embodying innovation and commitment to housing solutions. Their programs, funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, aim to make the dream of homeownership achievable for more residents throughout Atlanta. For more information, please visit AH's website or connect with them on social media @housingatlanta.