An affordable housing venture is taking steps forward at a long-vacant site about a block south of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The 420 Chapel St. project, dubbed Lewis Crossing, would take shape just east of Northside Drive and fill a void amid the streets of Castleberry Hill. The fenced, gravel site has been vacant for more than 15 years, apart from occasional uses as a parking lot.

Plans call for 50 apartments in a five-story structure atop a level of underground parking. The developer is listed as Woda Cooper Companies, a firm that recently finished a project of similar scale in Peoplestown called Stanton Park Apartments.

According to Invest Atlanta, Lewis Crossing is expected to cost roughly $22 million. The economic development agency is considering a Westside TAD Ascension Fund grant of up to $1 million to help the project get started. Federal and state tax income credits are expected to supply about $18 million of the total cost.

Plans for a main residential entry at the Lewis Crossing project. Woda Cooper Companies, via Invest Atlanta

Proximity to The Benz shown at the vacant site today. Google Maps

According to a LoopNet listing, the .56-acre site is being sold for $2.85 million.

Plans call for Lewis Crossing to include one to three-bedroom rentals with amenities such as a gazebo, community garden, a fitness center, community room, and laundry facilities. (No golf simulators or saunas).

Construction is scheduled to start in March next year, with an 18-month timeline to completion, according to Invest Atlanta.

The location counts a “very walkable” Walk Score of 88, and an “excellent” Transit Score of 74, with two MARTA stations within less than a 10-minute walk.  

The five-story site plan, with underground parking shown at its base. Woda Cooper Companies, via Invest Atlanta

All apartments would meet affordability standards and rent for between 50 and 80 percent of the area median income or less, according to Invest Atlanta. The affordability period is expected to last for 30 years.

Here’s a breakdown of the proposed unit mix and rents:

Proposed unit mix and rents at Lewis Crossing. Invest Atlanta

A row of upscale, four-story townhomes was floated for another vacant lot across the street in 2021, but that project hasn’t moved forward.

Find a closer look at what’s planned for Lewis Crossing in the gallery above. 

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