The new year is setting up to be eventful for a multifaceted Decatur project that's remaking most of a city block near a MARTA transit hub.  

Charlotte-based developer Northwood Ravin has signed two more tenants for its mixed-use Halo project in East Decatur, near the city limits of Avondale Estates and a block from MARTA’s Avondale station. 

Joining Halo’s retail roster will be the second location of Atlanta-based Condesa Coffee and FS8, which is described as a science-backed fitness concept that blends yoga, Pilates, and tone exercises. 

Those businesses will join previously announced Halo tenant Galore Market, a neighborhood market concept from the creators of O4W Market. (For those keeping track at home, Galore Market plans to open another, standalone new location less than half a mile east of Halo on East College Avenue in Avondale Estates that’s aimed at different clientele.) Galore Market signed at Halo in July. 

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. FS8 currently operates 50 studios nationally, and other locations are set to open soon in Buckhead and East Cobb, per development officials. 

Fresh rendering illustrating a 1-acre park facet at Halo planned between main structures and the area's MARTA station. Courtesy of Northwood Ravin; designs, Dwell Design Studio

The signings mean Halo’s ground-floor retail component is roughly 50 percent leased right now. About 7,000 square feet remains available for community-focused businesses, with Oakhurst Realty Partners on board to head leasing efforts, per Northwood Ravin. 

We’ve asked Halo reps for ETA info on any of the three signed businesses to date. This story will be updated with additional details that come. 

Schedules call for Halo to start delivering the first of its 370 units in April, with full project completion expected in January next year. 

How public walkways and retail will meet East College Avenue. Northwood Ravin; designs, Dwell Design Studio

Seen prior to demolition and construction, the 7.5-acre site's location just southwest of the Avondale MARTA station, along East College Avenue. Google Maps

The 7.5-acre construction site is situated along East College Avenue, spanning between New Street to the west and Sam Street at the site’s eastern boundary. Renderings and other plans for the Halo project show an interior public plaza leading to a new 1-acre Freeman Street greenspace, and a 468-space parking deck shielded mostly from view.

According to developers, Halo’s 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. 

“Our approach with Halo is to attract retailers who actively engage with each other and the broader community,” Ben Yorker, Northwood Ravin’s vice president of development, said in a tenant announcement. “With so many shared spaces and a commitment to working together, collaboration becomes natural and community thrives.” 

Find more project context and imagery in the gallery above. 

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