Atlanta BeltLine snags 14 trail-side acres for development next to Pittsburgh Yards and Southside Trail, focus will be on affordable housing, job creation, BeltLine says

Originally posted on 8/18/23 by Josh Green on Urbanize Atlanta

The Atlanta BeltLine’s role as landholder and development suitor is continuing in a major way on the city’s southside.

BeltLine officials announced today they’ve purchased 13.7 acres of vacant land along the BeltLine’s Southside Trail at 356 University Avenue. The expanse of overgrown embankments and concrete is located immediately west of Pittsburgh Yards, an adaptive-reuse jobs hub that began coming online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BeltLine leaders say the land will be used for development that continues its quest to build affordable housing, jobs centers, and more affordable commercial opportunities at sites along the eventual 22-mile, multipurpose loop. The land was purchased from AECF Atlanta Realty LLC—a subsidiary of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a philanthropic organization that manages Pittsburgh Yards. The deal was financed with a loan from SouthState Bank, per the BeltLine.

After purchasing the Pittsburgh property, which is visible from the downtown Connector, the BeltLine says it has tripled its landholdings around the loop in the past three years. Other sites with tall redevelopment ambitions include nearby Murphy Crossing, two properties in Grove Park, and a 2.6-acre site near Lindbergh.

So what’s next in Pittsburgh? BeltLine leaders say a community engagement process will be held to determine the best and most equitable uses for the nearly 14-acre site, with a goal of creating housing, jobs, and business spaces for locals. Casey Foundation officials are expected to take part in that process by serving on a stakeholder advisory committee, alongside nearby residents.

“After incorporating the desires and vision of adjacent residents and local businesses into the plans,” reads the BeltLine’s announcement today, “the BeltLine will issue a Request for Proposals to invite developers to submit proposals to redevelop the site.”

The timeline for the community meetings is TBD.