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Atlanta's Bowen Homes Redevelopment Project

On March 5, 2025, a pivotal moment in Atlanta's housing sector began as Atlanta Housing (AH) and its public-private partners broke ground on the Bowen Homes Phase I redevelopment project, an investment of $63.6 million aimed at revitalizing the historic Bowen Homes site and its surrounding neighborhood, Carey Park. The project is not only designed to provide new housing but also to enhance the quality of life in the community.

A Collaborative Effort

This transformative initiative sees collaboration among several key stakeholders, including Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Generous financial backing from the Centene Foundation, Peach State Health Plan, and development partners like McCormack Baron Salazar and The Benoit Group have fostered this ambitious project, which aims to create a vibrant, mixed-income community.

Terri Lee, President and CEO of Atlanta Housing, expressed optimism about the impact of the redevelopment, highlighting its significance beyond just providing housing.

“This project is about more than housing; it’s about empowering people, fostering economic self-sufficiency, and ensuring that families have support for generations to come.”

Affordable Housing Focus

Located in the northwest area of Atlanta, the Bowen Phase 1 will add 151 units to the housing inventory, with the majority allocated as affordable housing. The project encompasses a range of options to meet diverse community needs:

• - 48 units designated for households earning 30% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). For context, HUD defines this threshold as an annual household income of $32,250 for a family of four in the Atlanta metro area.
• - 49 units targeting families earning up to 60% AMI.
• - 10 workforce housing units catering to essential professionals such as teachers, nurses, and emergency responders.
• - 44 market-rate units to enhance economic diversity within the community.

As Mayor Andre Dickens stated,

“The redevelopment of Bowen Homes delivers on our promise to invest in affordable housing.”

This sentiment reflects a broader commitment to preserving the history of the community while ensuring its future prosperity.

A Vision for Carey Park

Bowen Homes' redevelopment sets the stage for an even larger transformation plan for Carey Park, which encompasses:

• - Over 2,000 rental and ownership units across various income levels,
• - Enhanced greenspaces and sustainable stormwater management systems,
• - Improved street networks and community amenities to foster walkability,
• - Access to fresh food and retail tailored to community needs.

The Bowen redevelopment aligns with HUD's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative focusing on three core pillars to promote community growth: housing, people, and neighborhood. This collaborative approach seeks to connect residents with job opportunities, educational resources, and healthcare access while enhancing local safety and commercial areas.

Wade A. Rakes, Chief Growth Officer at Centene Corporation, emphasized the importance of affordable housing as a foundation for health and well-being:

“Safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone of health and well-being.”

The collective vision for Bowen Homes seeks to foster a connected, sustainable neighborhood that positively impacts its residents.

Looking Ahead

Capstone Building Corporation, responsible for overseeing the construction of Phase 1, has already mobilized efforts to ensure timely progress. This first phase is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026, marking a significant step toward revitalizing Atlanta's housing landscape. The Bowen Homes redevelopment is poised to become a national exemplar for community-focused housing initiatives, showcasing the possibilities that arise from public-private collaboration.

For more information on Atlanta Housing and their ongoing projects, visit Atlanta Housing.