Roughly a mile due south of Zoo Atlanta, a hilly construction site along Boulevard could provide the strongest evidence yet of investor bullishness on Chosewood Park.

Spread across 34 acres, Empire Zephyr aims to be the next residential project to capitalize on proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine’s Southside Trail corridor. A mix of 359 townhomes and “stacks” condos is eventually planned across the 1335 Boulevard SE site. 

Zephyr marks another substantial bet for Empire Communities on both the southside (see: the Swift townhome community in neighboring Boulevard Heights) and various sections of the BeltLine (Empire Stein Steel on the Eastside Trail and Empire Longreen off the Westside Trail are two under-construction examples.)  

In terms of scope on Atlanta’s southside, the Zephyr project is rivaled by the 40-acre Sawtell proposal and mixed-use plans for Fort McPherson’s remaining 96 acres. A recent site visit showed that nearly 60 units have topped out to date. Listing services indicate at least three townhomes are under contract.

The Upton apartment project's parking structure is visible in the distance, at left, with downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead skylines beyond.

For now, Zephyr is offering three-story townhomes with two to four bedrooms, priced from the low $400,000s into the $500,000s.

Right now, $583,899 is the highest asking price for a four-bedroom unit with a two-car garage; others have a single-car garage. Square footages range from 1,171 to 1,862 square feet.

Amenities are set to include walking paths, a pool and clubhouse, a greenspace for community gatherings, and access to the BeltLine’s Boulevard Crossing Park, which is planned to eventually be expanded next door.

Plans for the Empire Zephyr internal layout and clubhouse. Courtesy of Empire Communities

Like single-family ventures and other proposals in nearby blocks, Zephyr is also an indication investors aren’t deterred by the looming presence of Atlanta’s federal penitentiary at the end of Boulevard.  

“It’s time to carve out your place in the city against a backdrop of lush greenery, budding culture, energy, and soul,” reads the Zephyr marketing spiel, “all while enjoying modern design townhomes, stacks, and purposeful amenities.”

See the beginnings of what that means in the gallery above.

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