Atlanta to revitalize 8 'surplus' school properties. Here's where exactly

There’s new life on the horizon for shuttered Atlanta school buildings and empty lots near them, following a recent deal described by city officials as “landmark.”

The Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, a local nonprofit entity with a goal of developing underused public land into mixed-income housing, announced an intergovernmental agreement last month with Atlanta Public Schools that calls for transforming eight “surplus” school properties into “community assets” doted across the city, per officials.

The deal includes more than 48 acres of total land and vacant or underused facilities.

Most of the properties in question are located south and southwest of downtown, from the shadow of Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood around to West End’s commercial core and the Florida Heights neighborhood.

The agreement helps set the stage for future revitalization projects by establishing long-term leases for select sites, with properties in West End and Lakewood Heights to see redevelopment first, according to a city announcement. Dr. Bryan Johnson, APS Superintendent, said the agreement with AUDC will allow the district to remake underutilized school sites into “vibrant community hubs that expand access to affordable housing for our families and students and improve the overall quality of life for Atlanta families,” according to a statement.  

“By leveraging the expertise of AUDC and the resources of APS, we will breathe new life into these properties,” predicted Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens in the announcement.

Before redevelopment kicks off, a community engagement process with public forums, stakeholder meetings, and presentations to local organizations will be held. Following that, a selection committee—comprised of both AUDC and APS representatives—will be tasked with guiding the selection of planning consultants, the Request for Qualifications process, and redevelopment, according to city officials. 

Following inquiries, city officials have provided Urbanize Atlanta with more context that paints the picture of exactly where the properties in question are, the scope of the sites, and how they're being used, or not. According to city officials, APS’s former Lakewood Heights and Peeples Street sites will be redeveloped first.

Find details for the eight surplus sites below, and click on the hyperlinked addresses for Google Maps links to zoom in.

…

Property name: Former Gilbert Elementary School facility

Neighborhood: Betmar LaVilla (near Lakewood Amphitheatre)

Address: 407 Ashwood Ave., SW

Acres: 7.5

Zip code: 30315

Current use: Atlanta Fire Rescue facility

Cluster: Carver

NPU: Y

…

Property name: Simpson Road Property

Neighborhood: Center Hill

Address: Joseph E, Boone Boulevard at Sewanee Avenue

Acres: 6.1

Zip code: 30314

Current use: Vacant wood lot, behind Fredrick Douglass High School, across Sewanee Avenue.

Cluster: Douglass

NPU: J

…

Property name: Former Collier Heights Elementary site

Neighborhood: Collier Heights

Address: 338 Collier Drive NW

Acres: 6.4

Zip code: 30318

Current use: Vacant lot

Cluster: Douglass

NPU: I

 …

Property name: Former Rosalie Wright Elementary School facility

Neighborhood: Florida Heights

Address: 360 Autumn Lane SW

Acres: 1.9

Zip code: 30310

Current use: Vacant building

Cluster: Mays

NPU: I

…

Property name: Former Dobbs Elementary School site

Neighborhood: Norwood Manor

Address: 1965 Lewis Road SE

Acres: 10.2

Zip code: 30315

Current use: Vacant lot

Cluster: South Atlanta

NPU: Z

…

Property name: Former Lakewood Heights Elementary School facility

Neighborhood: Lakewood Heights

Address: 335 Sawtell Ave. SE

Acres: 2.1

Zip code: 30315

Current use: Vacant building

Cluster: South Atlanta

NPU: Y

…

Property name: Forrest Canyon Land site

Neighborhood: South River Gardens

Address: 1100 Hendon Road SE

Acres: 8

Zip code: 30354

Current use: Vacant lot

Cluster: South Atlanta

NPU: Z

…

Property name: Former Peeples Street School site (near Mall West End)

Neighborhood: West End

Address: 575 Peeples St. SW

Acres: 6.2

Zip code: 30310

Current use: Vacant lot

Cluster: Washington

NPU: T

...

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