In the shadow of downtown Atlanta, an infill project entering the homestretch of construction is being billed as an antidote for “generic housing”—and just maybe a model for intown affordability.  

Dubbed “Firehouse,” the 10-unit apartment building is taking shape at 26 Hilliard St. NE in Sweet Auburn, a previously vacant lot just east of the downtown Connector, between Auburn and Edgewood avenues. 

According to Under New Management, the developer and builder, all 10 of the income-restricted apartments are marketed toward first-responders and downtown’s workforce. Perks include walkability to the Atlanta Streetcar, Old Fourth Ward, Sweet Auburn Curb Market, MARTA’s King Memorial station, and downtown, as developers note.  

Firehouse’s broader goal is to prove that even small lots can be part of Atlanta’s affordable and missing-middle housing solution, with a public-private model fit for scaling up around the city, per project leaders. 

Recent Firehouse construction progress, as seen over Hilliard Street. Courtesy of Under New Management LLC

Plans for Firehouse's three-story facade on Hilliard Street, between Edgewood and Auburn avenues. Courtesy of Under New Management LLC

All apartments are marketed as one-bedroom, one-bathroom studios, with expected completion by the end of 2026. Square footages have not been disclosed. 

Firehouse rents are expected to be capped at $1,250 monthly per unit (or $15,000 per year), which includes all utilities and fees. 

The Firehouse development team also includes Line + Angle Architecture and Martin Rickles Studio (interior design). The project in planning stages received unanimous support from Neighborhood Planning Unit M and surrounding neighborhood groups, per development officials. 

Public-private partners on the project are listed as Invest Atlanta, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, Crippen Consulting, and District 5 Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari.

Focused on infill sites and walkability, Under New Management is led by veteran intown developer Saba Loghman, formerly an Empire Communities executive and currently an advisor with that company. 

The Firehouse site in spring 2025, with Auburn Avenue at right and downtown beyond. Google Maps

Courtesy of Under New Management LLC

Elsewhere in Atlanta, Under New Management is building a mixed-use Kirkwood townhome project with a warehouse component across the street from Pullman Yards. Last fall, the company also unveiled a project called “Downtown Chosewood” for vacant acreage off the Southside Trail; also in Chosewood Park, an adaptive-reuse proposal for a long-empty building just off the Beltline more recently came to light. 

According to Atlanta Downtown Inc., the Sweet Auburn project is a $1.9-million investment total. 

Swing up to the gallery for more Firehouse context and visuals. 

The Firehouse project's 26 Hilliard St. NE site, just east of the downtown Connector in Sweet Auburn. Google Maps

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