Late last summer, a multifaceted development that’s claiming long-vacant acreage where East Lake meets Decatur quietly revealed plans for the latest ITP food hall.
Whether it’s the promise of culinary options at the doorstep or four months of free rent (with restrictions), something seems to be working at Vela Park.
The project by Atlanta developer Perennial Properties is entering final phases of construction in unincorporated Decatur, situated about two blocks south of East Lake Golf Club’s Hole 13. It’s remaking what had long been a large grassy field into hundreds of residences (both apartments and townhomes), a retail-adjacent greenspace, and other uses.
One unique perk is what’s now called Vela Park Food Works, a centralized retail facet that project leaders say will feature six different chef-driven concepts, alongside craft cocktails and roomy outdoor dining. (Those options are described in marketing materials as “wood-fired Italian classics… bold Latin street food… fresh Mediterranean plates… flavorful Asian favorites, all-American comfort eats, and sweet dessert indulgences.”)
Connected to the Vela Park Food Works patio will be a 40,000-square-foot greenspace that’s open to the public, according to project officials.
A fresh rendering for the six-concept food hall facet at Vela Park revealed in August. Vela Park Food Works/FB
Recent construction progress on Vela Park's 40,000-square-foot public greenspace. via Vela Park; @livevelapark
The Vela Park leasing team reports this week that available rentals are nearly full. The community is dangling up to 16 weeks of free rent, plus waived administrative fees.
Otherwise, rates start at $1,595 monthly right now. That rents a studio unit with 522 square feet.
Townhomes, meanwhile, come in both two and three-story varieties, both with two-car garages. The priciest option of the bunch is a three-story townhome—three bedrooms, three and ½ bathrooms in 1,879 square feet—that’s going for $3,896 monthly.
Situated along 2nd and Alexander avenues, across the street from Donald Trimble Mortuary, the parcels in question were collectively known as the Bag Factory Site prior to development. The land in unincorporated DeKalb County, spanning about 11.7 acres, had been empty for decades, according to developers.
Vela Park broke ground in early 2024, and the first round of rentals came online this past spring, with rents starting at $1,493 monthly for the 522-square-foot studios at the time.
Residential plans at the 1845 2nd Ave. site call for 328 units total, with 43 of those being rental townhouses.
Floorplan for a three-story Vela Park townhome currently renting for $3,896 monthly. Velaparkatl.com
Recent construction progress on a poolside greenspace and two-story clubroom at Vela Park. via Vela Park; @livevelapark
According to site plans submitted in 2022, the project will include roughly 5,000 square feet of retail space total.
Perennial leadership told Urbanize Atlanta in late 2024 the full project was on pace to open late this year or early next.
Around the corner on Glenwood Avenue, next to Publix Super Market at East Lake's entrance, Perennial also developed a four-building, mixed-use project called Ella. That venture, also designed by the Dynamik Design firm, includes 230 apartments and 10,000 square feet of retail, including Philly G cheesesteaks, in addition to office space.
Overview of the Vela Park district, spanning nearly 12 acres just south of East Lake. Perennial Properties/Dynamik Design; via Velaparkatl.com
How the public green is expected to meet Vela Park Food Works off 2nd Avenue. Velaparkatl.com
As part of the Vela Park development, Perennial is including an eight-foot-wide walking path on the north side of their property to link 2nd Avenue with Fayetteville Road and the Publix, officials have said.
Swing up to the gallery for more Vela Park context, renderings, and glimpses at construction progress.
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