The next piece of Memorial Drive’s hyper-speed evolution from gritty industrial corridor to development epicenter hopes to move forward in coming days.

Alliance Residential Company, a multifamily developer active across metro Atlanta, has closed on the purchase of 2.53 acres at 230 Martin Luther King Jr. SE Drive to build an apartment community called Broadstone Metal Works.

The Dynamik Design project would see 278 units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom rentals, erected just west of Oakland Cemetery, a block north of Memorial. At the southeast corner of the site—and not included in development plants—is Nick’s Food to Go, a family-owned, Greek takeout institution that’s operated in a small corner building since 1994.  

An Alliance rep tells Urbanize Atlanta that plans call for breaking ground on Broadstone Metal Works this month and delivering the first apartments in summer 2023. Alliance plans to literally build around the longstanding restaurant next door. 

Breathe easy, Atlanta: Nick's won't be impacted by new development. Google Maps

Updated renderings aren’t yet available, but plans call for five stories with rentals that average 790 square feet. A rooftop pool, coworking space, “first-class” fitness center, and clubroom for entertainment are also planned. Some apartments are expected to feature uninterrupted downtown views.

According to the most recent property records, the parcel in question last sold in 2016 for $4.1 million. Atlanta multifamily developer Perennial Properties was most recently listed as developer in site plans.

The previous developer's proposed west (top) and south elevations, as approved by the city earlier this year. Nick's restaurant currently stands in the bottom right section of the lower image. Dynamik Design

The site also includes old warehouse buildings formerly occupied by Conklin Metal Industries. Georgia State University’s football and soccer practice facilities are next door.

Noah Randall, Alliance’s managing director, called the location “the perfect recipe for urban luxury living” with its short downtown commute and access to parks, dining, and entertainment.

The site in question today, looking toward downtown, with the gyro restaurant at the corner. Google Maps

• Images: MARTA's mixed-use build overlooking Oakland Cemetery is coming together (Urbanize Atlanta)