In partnership with the City of Atlanta and Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing incorporated the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) in in July of 2023 as a non-profit subsidiary of AH positioned to lead housing developments on publicly owned land. In the AUD model, the large concentration of public ownership in neighborhoods like Thomasville Heights ensures that market value spurred by redevelopment will be captured and directed toward future AUD investments in affordability, neighborhood health, and community development.
On March 14, 2024, the AUD released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking partners for Phase I of the redevelopment of Thomasville Heights in southeast Atlanta. The AUD will implement a multiphase, multiyear comprehensive neighborhood revitalization in the Thomasville Heights neighborhood that includes the former Thomasville Heights public housing site, as well as other nearby publicly owned properties. The partial demolition of Forest Cove Apartment complex occurred just one week after the RFQ was announced, heralding a long-awaited new chapter for the dilapidated site.
Phase I includes a 7.86-acre parcel fronting McDonough Boulevard, between Welch Street and Moreland Avenue. For the ultimate redevelopment strategy, the AUD envisions a mixed-income community that prioritizes families and includes deeply affordable housing options, particularly for former Forest Cove residents that want to return. The development will represent a mix of rental units and homeownership units including detached single-family residences and townhomes. Aligned with Atlanta Housing’s people-first approach, the AUD and the Mayor have holistic plans for the community including restoring access to fresh food, services, and green spaces.
The full RFQ and addendum for capable developers for Phase 1 can be found here. All submissions to the RFQ are due by May 1, 2024.
More About the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation
The AUD is positioned to work flexibly with private-sector developers and public-sector land-owning agencies to realize new developments that will positively impact tenants, neighborhoods, and the city. The AUD model prioritizes long-term affordability and public control of assets via a new model of public land development. At the same time, it can achieve affordability goals without relying on scarce, over-tapped resources by offering a unique toolkit of financial resources. The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation is incorporated through Atlanta Housing, with AH approving organizational powers, bylaws, and board appointments.