Atlanta, Georgia – Earlier this month, Mayor Andre Dickens and the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) launched a new Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the redevelopment of the former Lakewood Heights Elementary School. This is a big step forward for Atlanta’s efforts to promote fair development. The city wants developers who can see the potential in the property and turn it into a dynamic, mixed-use community with affordable housing and stores that serve the neighborhood.
The 2.15-acre property at 335 Sawtell Road SE was originally utilized for education, but it is now ready to be a model for community-centered revitalization. The initiative is part of Mayor Dickens’ larger housing plan, which intends to develop or keep 20,000 affordable homes by 2030. There will be about 55 rental units on the site, mostly two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as about 8,000 square feet of commercial space.
“The redevelopment of Lakewood Heights Elementary is a crucial step in our efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities in Atlanta. This initiative aligns with our vision of building a city where all residents have access to quality housing and essential services. It is an integral part of our goal to develop 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030, and we are excited to see how this project will contribute to the revitalization of the Lakewood Heights neighborhood,” said Mayor Andre Dickens.
AUD CEO John Majors echoed the sentiment, highlighting the chance to revitalize underused public land. “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,” Majors said.
The RFQ was made public on July 3, and the deadline for submissions is August 25 at 11:59 p.m. Developers can send in their qualifications by going to AUD’s website at atlurbdevco.com. AUD will be a Lakewood Heights Q&A and Bus Tour on July 16 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Focus Community Strategies to give further information to people who might like to apply. People who want to can also attend virtually.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) designated the site surplus in 2023. It is the first of numerous assets that APS and AUD plan to move around as their cooperation grows. Dr. Bryan Johnson, the superintendent of APS, said that this initiative is part of the district’s larger “APS Forward 2040” strategy to make sure that the utilization of facilities is in line with student progress and the requirements of the area.
The concept for the reconstruction has been significantly influenced by what people in the community have been saying. Keeping the historic school building, making the area more walkable, and making sure that the housing alternatives are affordable for a range of incomes are all important goals for the neighborhood’s long-term viability.
AUD will look at the qualifications of the developers that submit bids based on their experience, how feasible their plans are, and how well they fit with the community’s aims. After that, the chosen team will work closely with AUD and APS to make the joint vision for Lakewood Heights a reality.
 for the redevelopment of the former Lakewood Heights Elementary School){kind=link}