Intown developer’s next suburban bet officially underway

An injection of hundreds of apartments is officially bound for one of metro Atlanta’s more unique suburban city centers.

Toro Development Company formally broke ground Wednesday on a 301-unit project that will add a new dimension to Cumming City Center—one that’s in the residential vein of the company’s projects in hot intown real estate districts such as Old Fourth Ward. Businesses at Cumming City Center started opening three years ago this month.

Overlook will mark the first multifamily component at the 95-acre Forsyth County city center, with a goal of infusing “energy and activity” throughout and a “feet and street” facet to one corner, per TDC officials.

Renderings by Dwell Design Studio show a partially brick façade, overlooking the district’s 18-hole PuttTek mini-golf course.

The Overlook project “will build on the strong momentum already established at Cumming City Center,” John Kelley, TDC managing partner and chief development officer, said in the announcement. “Our experience shows that thoughtfully integrated multifamily plays a critical role in activating mixed-use communities and driving the success of all surrounding uses.”

How the 301-unit Overlook apartments (top left) are planned to fit into the broader 95-acre mixed-use district. Courtesy of Toro Development Company

Planned Overlook facade at Cumming City Center. Toro Development Company; designs, Dwell Design Studio

Amenities at Overlook will include social courtyard spaces, a “sky lounge,” micro-offices for working onsite, a dog park, a resort-style pool, and a fitness center, among other perks, per TDC.

The first apartments are expected to open for renters in late 2027.

According to TDC’s tabulations, Cumming’s mix of Lake Lanier access, top schools, and “suburban convenience” have contributed to a population uptick of 38 percent over the past five years alone.

TDC is led by Mark Toro, a veteran real estate developer and former North American Properties executive whose past work includes a revamp of Atlantic Station and development of Avalon, along with three apartment communities off the Atlanta Beltline’s most popular section, the Eastside Trail.

Also in the northern suburbs, where TDC’s focus has shifted, the company is building the multifaceted, $560-million Medley project in Johns Creek, which is scheduled to open its first phase in late October. Medley made news in January by signing Mainsail Lodging & Development to build and operate its 150-key hotel.

Another planned Beltline development from TDC in Reynoldstown failed to come together; the land was sold off two years ago and remains vacant today.

The 95-acre Cumming project following its 2023 debut. VantagePoint 3D; Vimeo