Plans for BeltLine's Murphy Crossing redo come into clearer focus

The Atlanta BeltLine’s recent announcement that a developer has finally been picked for Murphy Crossing's redevelopment lent a taste of what could be on tap for communities in Southwest Atlanta.

Now the (tentative) specifics have arrived.

BeltLine officials announced in September they’ve chosen Arizona-based real estate development company Culdesac to reshape the 20-acre site in Oakland City that once operated as the Georgia Farmers Market. The property abuts the BeltLine’s Westside Trail and includes about a dozen warehouses and other buildings today.

Now, a copy of early site plans for a project called simply “Murphy Crossing by Culdesac” illustrates the development’s potential village-like layout and functionality.

One key takeaway is that car traffic would be relegated to the fringes of all new development. A direct connection for bicyclists would branch off the BeltLine, alongside two routes for pedestrians, per the site plans.

A neighborhood source tells Urbanize Atlanta community responses have been “generally favorable… so far” though some have expressed concerns over the loss of historic buildings and lack of a MARTA infill station on the transit agency’s Gold Line next door.

An informational meeting on the project is scheduled for Thursday at Create ATL, located just across the Westside Trail from the Murphy Crossing site.

Culdesac’s plan includes a mix of housing and offices in new and revived buildings, a grocery store, dining and retail options, a farmers’ market (in homage to the land’s historical use), and arts and culture programming.

BeltLine leaders say the project will contribute to the 22-mile loop’s affordable housing goal by designating 25 percent of residential units "permanently affordable," with another 5 percent remaining affordable for the next 30 years at least. Culdesac hopes to cap affordability rates for residents at 60 to 80 percent of the area’s median income, with 30 percent of all retail and light industrial spaces offered at unspecified rates meant to be affordable for small businesses in Southwest Atlanta, per the BeltLine.

BeltLine leaders have stressed the Murphy Crossing project is in early design phases and will be refined following community input.

Until then, BEHOLD:

• BeltLine tour guide: Why Murphy Crossing redevelopment is crucial (Urbanize Atlanta)