A riverside multifamily project described as a “first-of-its-kind” game-changer has officially debuted in a scenic, historic city northeast of Atlanta. According to development leaders, it’s having little trouble attracting renters. 

Having sprung from an assemblage of 13 different parcels, the 250-unit Nova River District held its grand opening in downtown Rome late last month. Construction is more than 90 percent complete, with only interior work remaining on one building wing, according to developers CCI Real Estate, an investment firm focused on the Southeast. 

Nova River District includes a 1-acre greenspace and nearly 10,000 square feet of street-level retail space, situated along the Oostanaula River and a 16.7-mile multi-use trail called the AdventHealth ECO Greenway. 

The E-shaped project took shape next to a new hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Rome Riverwalk, that was considered the first phase of an assemblage of properties for development the city’s been putting together for years, in hopes of better activating the riverfront. Another goal is to contribute to the vibrancy of Rome’s Historic Broad Street on the other side of the river. 

According to CCI officials, 60 percent of available Nova River District apartments have been rented since preleasing began earlier this year, and more than 30 percent of the overall project is spoken for prior to its completion. 

Overview of riverfront rentals and amenities at Nova River District. The neighboring new Courtyard by Marriott-branded hotel is at left. Courtesy of CCI Real Estate/Nova River District

The project's location among Rome's rivers, situated about 65 miles northwest of Midtown.Google Maps

City and development officials have said the building singlehandedly doubles the number of residences in downtown Rome—and could potentially be just another phase of a broader, large-scale infill project. For now, there’s an abundance of surface parking, along with tennis/pickleball, next door.

The least expensive rental option at Nova River District today is a shoebox studio (473 square feet) seeking $1,300 monthly. 

The priciest option at the moment—a top-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with 1,026 square feet—is renting for $2,275.

One perk of the location is an enviable Bike Score (86) that owes to its direct connectivity to the multi-use trail system downtown Rome has become known for. The Walk Score (74) is comparable to, or better than, that of many intown Atlanta neighborhoods. 

Views to Rome's river and hills—and the Rome Tennis Center (bottom right) across the street. Courtesy of CCI Real Estate/Nova River District

Courtesy of CCI Real Estate/Nova River District

The apartment building “connects residents to the river, to wellness and to the energy of Broad Street, while also contributing to the growth and vitality of this incredible city,” said CCI CEO Jeff Warwick in a recent announcement. 

Beyond downtown walkability, perks of the Nova River District apartments include a heated saltwater pool, fitness and wellness studio, future onsite coffee shop, courtyards, and two “elevated sundecks,” per project officials. 

Floorplan for Nova River District's least expensive rental option, a 473-square-foot studio. Courtesy of CCI Real Estate/Nova River District

The priciest Nova River District floorplan at the moment seeks $2,275 monthly. Courtesy of CCI Real Estate/Nova River District

The development team also includes Poole and Poole Architecture, True North Companies (general contractor), Focus Design Interiors, Davis and Church (structural engineer), Phillips Gradick Engineering, and Dovetail Civil Design. Gallery Residential is on board to handle property management. 

Pinnacle Financial Partners and Commerce One Bank closed a $37-million construction loan to build Nova River District last year.

Find more project context and imagery in the gallery above. 

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