A multifamily project that developers say adds renting options—including affordable ones—in an area outside of Atlanta’s decade-long apartment boom is ready for its closeup.
After breaking ground in fall 2021, a 286-unit venture called Populus Westside has recently opened, spread across eight buildings and 25 acres on Northwest Drive, just east of Interstate 285 and south of historic Whittier Mill Village.
Proctor Creek, an important ITP natural amenity that’s undergone cleanup efforts in recent years, snakes along the west side of the property.
The project's location due west of Atlantic Station and nearby amenities identified by developers. Populus Westside/Novare Group
A joint venture between Atlanta developer Novare Group, Batson-Cook Development Co., and ELV Associates, the community has a design aesthetic called “mountain-modern” to reflect its wooded, rolling site, according to project leaders.
Populus Westside took shape in what the development group, like others, is calling Atlanta’s Upper Westside—at a location in the Monroe Heights neighborhood that stretches the limits of that designation. Options range from studios up to three-bedroom rentals.
Novare has owned the site for many years, and had been waiting to build until demand west of Midtown caught up, developers have previously said.
According to an announcement today, the project is “leasing quickly,” thanks to its unique offerings in an area not awash in similar product. (We’ve asked for specifics on what exactly that means and will update this story with any further info.)
Entry for the 25-acre project at 1315 Northwest Drive in Atlanta's Monroe Heights neighborhood. Populus Westside/Novare Group
As part of a tax-incentive program with Invest Atlanta, Populus Westside is offering 15 percent of its apartments—or 43 units total—at reduced rents for people earning 60 to 80 percent of the area median income.
In terms of market-rate pricing, rents for foot-in-the-door studio units with 548 square feet start at $1,582 monthly. The priciest apartments at that size are listed with $2,903 rents.
Rents for the largest options—three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,269 square feet—start at $2,600 and top out at nearly $5,000.
Onsite amenities are listed as “manicured greenspace” with a pet park and outdoor grills, a clubhouse, fitness center, and pool setting described as “resort-style.”
Populus Westside/Novare Group
For now, the paved section of scenic Proctor Creek Greenway ends east of Populus Westside but is expected to eventually be extended along the creek toward the Chattahoochee River, providing what the apartment builders have called “the ultimate amenity.”
Dynamik Design was the project architect, Pinnacle Bank the senior lender, and Stratus Construction the general contractor. RAM Partners is heading leasing operations now.
Atlanta-based Novare, an early entrant into Midtown’s wave of high-rise residential construction, has developed more than 17,000 residences across the South and western U.S. states since its founding in 1992.
Jim Borders, Novare’s president and CEO, said the goal with Populus Westside was to “create a vibrant community that ties in seamlessly with the natural beauty of the area," according to a prepared statement.
See how it turned out in the gallery above.
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