Three years after demolition kicked off, a multifaceted project that’s remaking nearly a full Decatur block has started welcoming its first residents.
The mixed-use Halo project in East Decatur—near the city limits of Avondale Estates and a block from MARTA’s Avondale station—started move-ins at the first of 370 apartments two weeks ago, as officials with Charlotte-based developer Northwood Ravin tell Urbanize Atlanta.
Construction continues, but the 7.5-acre Halo development has replaced low-rise retail and empty parcels along East College Avenue, spanning between New Street to the west and Sam Street at the site’s eastern boundary. Renderings and other plans show an interior public plaza leading to a new 1-acre Freeman Street greenspace, and a 468-space parking deck shielded mostly from view.
Development officials tell Urbanize the project is on pace for full completion by the end of 2026, which includes onsite retail and the public park.
As seen in 2021, prior to demolition, the stretch of East College Avenue where Halo has taken shape in Decatur. Google Maps
How Halo's first finished apartments (left) have come together along East College Avenue, near MARTA's Avondale station and several other recent multifamily developments in the corridor.Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
Halo’s current rents start at $1,813 monthly, which gets a studio in 560 square feet.
The priciest floorplan, set to be available later this month, counts three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,547 square feet. That’ll set renters back $3,974 monthly.
Amenities include a rooftop pool and lounge, a sauna, a pet spa, a golf simulator, a sports bar, a spa at courtyard level, and other perks. Promo signs onsite indicate a “secret-door speakeasy” is also in the mix.
Halo’s retail roster will include the second location of Atlanta-based Condesa Coffee and FS8, a fitness concept that blends yoga, Pilates, and tone exercises, in addition to Galore Market, a neighborhood market concept from the creators of O4W Market.
Future retail and patio spaces along East College Avenue. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
How the 1-acre park facet at Halo is planned to look and function between main structures and the area's MARTA station. Courtesy of Northwood Ravin; designs, Dwell Design Studio
According to Northwood Ravin officials, Condesa Coffee will occupy a 1,225-square-foot space at Halo, joining its flagship café in Old Fourth Ward. Beyond coffee, Condesa also serves food options such as pastries and sandwiches. FS8, the exercise concept, has claimed a larger space—3,739 square feet—for its debut location in Georgia. Other retail concepts are expected to be announced soon, per the project’s website.
Meanwhile, Galore Market has recently opened another, standalone new location less than half a mile east of Halo on East College Avenue in Avondale Estates. That market, per leasing officials, is aimed at different clientele.
At Halo, retail tenants will have access to shared amenities, including the plaza and public park, for hosting events, coworking spaces, and an artist network via a partnership with Decatur Artist Alliance, the development team has said.
Swing up to the gallery for a visual update on Halo’s construction progress and preview of what’s to come this year.
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