Vacant parcel may soon see development.
Atlanta-based Fuqua Development's website now lists "Northside & 17th" as an upcoming project. In 2007, the 12.5 acre parcel was linked to The Sembler Company. Formerly the president of The Sembler Company, Jeff Fuqua split off to form his own company, Fuqua Development, in 2012.
Sembler had reportedly planned to develop the parcel into what it was calling "Westside Village." The project would have reportedly included Costco Wholesale and Home Depot stores.
Plans have changed drastically since Sembler's involvement, and today the plan is far less retail driven, and instead will supply the area with additional residences as well as some limited retail and restaurant space.
The project is currently called simply "Northside & 17th" and is described on the Fuqua Development website as follows:
"The mixed use project will contain high density multifamily units and high density detached single family for sale homes and dynamic retail and restaurants ..."
The site claims the project is due to be completed "Fall 2016."
Over a year ago, property ownership (The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) and Lionstone Group, LLC), had hoped that a portion of the property could become the new home for Amtrak in Atlanta. The proposal would have dedicated about half of the parcel to Amtrak for a new state-of-the-art station to replace the more than 100 year old Brookwood (Peachtree) Station at Deering Road and Peachtree Street. The new station would have have been built along the southern edge of the parcel, close to IKEA, to take advantage of location along the Norfolk Southern rail line.
According to a real estate source, the inclusion in the project of Amtrak, (and possibly Greyhound too), was a sticking point for many retailers and restaurants. Many business owners were reportedly hesitant to commit to a project with the transportation options involved... a curious hesitancy, given the city's lack of transportation oriented developments. If it were a MARTA station or some sort of light rail, would they still have objected?
Fuqua Development has a number of projects in the works in metro Atlanta including a half dozen that will be grocery-anchored. Among the more notable projects are Decatur Crossing near Suburban Plaza at the intersection of Scott Boulevard and North Decatur Road, as well as the mixed-use component of the new Braves stadium (known now as SunTrust Park) in Cobb County. Fuqua Development is also working on Glenwood Place off Glenwood Avenue, and Lindbergh Place off Lindbergh Drive, both of which would be anchored by Kroger grocery stores.
There is not yet any intel on what retailers or restaurants have expressed interest in and or committment to opening at Northside & 17th.
What would you like to see open at the new project? To where would you like to see Amtrak relocate in order to better meet current and future demand? Of all active Fuqua projects, which are you most excited about?
Please share your thoughts below.