Near Decatur’s eastern border with Avondale Estates, demolition is underway where a unique mashup of retail and residential scored the blessing of city officials several years ago. 

The demo activity is occurring on a ½-acre site in Decatur at the northwest corner of East College Avenue’s intersection with Sams Crossing, where a brick single-story structure and ancillary buildings have recently come down. 

The 2680 E. College Ave. property is situated across active railroad tracks from MARTA’s Avondale station, near hundreds of new apartments in multiple complexes and Avondale Estates’ surging retail offerings near downtown. (Five years ago, Savi Provisions proposed building a market location on the corner in question but later backed out.)  

According to plans approved by the City of Decatur in 2023, the two-story structure would total about 8,600 square feet, as put together by developer Moe Hasni and a design and engineering team. 

Demolition progress along East College Avenue as of Tuesday. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The 2680 E. College Ave. site in relation to MARTA's Avondale station and other landmarks where Decatur proper meets Avondale Estates. Google Maps

At street level, plans show five retail spaces, ranging from 1,037 square feet to 1,217 square feet. Above that would be three one-bedroom apartments in the 800-square-foot range.

Site plans show spaces for bicycle parking along East College Avenue and vehicle spaces to the north and west of the building. 

Whether the demolition signals the beginning of actual development or mere site prep isn’t clear, however. The project developer and members of the design team did not respond to inquiries this week, nor did City of Decatur officials. 

Plans for the corner facade where Sams Crossing (right) meets East College Avenue. Contineo Group, Narramore Architecture; filings, Moe Hasni

Contineo Group, Narramore Architecture; filings, Moe Hasni

In a 2023 resolution, Decatur’s Downtown Development Authority praised the proposal for its aim to “expand options to address transit-oriented retail, housing, and future development needs” and potential to “further trade, commerce, industry, and employment in the [city].” 

File this one under “developing… maybe” for now. If curious, find more context and visuals in the gallery above.  

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