Nearly three years after site-clearing began, vertical construction has kicked off for a project that's continuing a residential influx along Memorial Drive. 

Beginning in summer 2022, Decatur-based Valor Tower Real Estate Developments demolished houses, cleared a full block, and installed infrastructure, including new streets, for a sizable, modern-style townhome venture in DeKalb County’s Belvedere Park neighborhood. 

Then progress—until recently—came to a halt. 

The 44-unit project is called Grand Terraza at Memorial Drive (alternately “Gran Terraza”), according to site plans, renderings, and promotional materials.  

A VIP list for potential buyers has recently launched, and interior renderings are now posted on the project’s website. An inquiry to the development team for a construction update this week wasn’t returned. 

The first townhome section to go vertical along Julian Street, a block off Memorial Drive, as seen this week. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Planned townhome frontage along Memorial Drive at Thomas Road. Valor Tower Real Estate Developments

Foundational work for the townhomes claimed a sloped block just east of Atlanta city limits and East Lake in the 3200 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur, on the south side of the six-lane thoroughfare.

Grand Terraza’s site plan calls for seven separate buildings surrounding an internal park, with several greenspaces dotted throughout. 

According to the developer, initial plans were altered after Belvedere Park neighbors complained of a lack of visitor parking created by the townhomes along Julian Street, opposite Memorial Drive. 

Plans for internal streets were expanded to allow for 23 parking spaces for townhome visitors on special occasions, and Valor Tower also widened Julian Street to 24 feet for more space, as developers have specified.

The scope of the site in question, and construction spotted along Julian Street this week. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

Plans for an internal greenspace at Grand Terraza. Valor Tower Real Estate Developments

The addition of denser housing is part of DeKalb County’s broader plan to revitalize Memorial Drive, a vital commuting corridor linking Stone Mountain to downtown Atlanta.

In the gallery above, find more context and renderings illustrating what Grand Terraza is planned to eventually be. 

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