A modified but still “transformative” infill project that aims to broaden downtown Roswell’s walkable appeal, living options, and commercial offerings continues to make progress, city officials report. 

The Roswell City Council and project champion Mayor Kurt Wilson unanimously approved a Scope of Work agreement last week with the city’s Downtown Development Authority that puts framework in place for what’s called, for now, the Hill Street Mixed-Use Development. 

The project calls for reshaping low-density parcels adjacent to Roswell City Hall into walkable, pedestrian-oriented new construction—and hundreds of parking spaces near a growing OTP historic district where finding a place to park can be tough. 

The recent SOW agreement formally defines the Roswell DDA’s role in bringing the Hill Street project to fruition. That will include development analysis, coordinating budgets, and project bonding, in addition to other duties. City officials have agreed to cover the DDA’s fees and costs in return. 

The changes would come on Hill Street, between Atlanta and Ellis streets. That’s the block immediately south of Roswell City Hall, roughly a block from the shops, eateries, and watering holes lining downtown’s Canton Street. 

The downtown Hill Street redevelopment area in question, with Canton Street attractions shown at top. Google Maps

The city council in December signed an agreement with Atlanta-based Atlantic Companies to develop the Hill Street project. 

Should ground break at the Hill Street site, it would be a long time coming. 

An earlier multifamily development plan gained city approval in 2019, but Wilson in 2022 helped lead a redesign that cuts back on residential density while expanding the commercial footprint, per city officials. 

More specifically, today’s Hill Street plans call for 143 multifamily apartments alongside 14 to 16 townhomes. That would reduce density to 24 units per acre from the originally approved 74 units per acre, per the city. 

Elsewhere, plans for commercial space have been beefed up from about 10,000 to 80,000 square feet for restaurants, retail, and office tenants. 

The city also plans to build 485 parking spaces—in a new deck and on surface streets—for residents, tenants, and guests. Parking revenue would be channeled into city coffers.  

Looking north across the block in question toward Canton Street, with Roswell City Hall shown at top right. Courtesy of City of Roswell

In Atlanta, Atlantic Companies’ recent work includes the 8West mixed-use complex in West Midtown and 25-story Reflection student housing building downtown. The company is also a partner in an infill, senior-housing venture planned just north of Underground Atlanta. 

A city spokesperson tells Urbanize Atlanta renderings or other visuals for the Hill Street project are not yet available. Ditto for a timeline on when those materials will be ready for public release. 

Wilson called the Hill Street vision an example of “smart growth” and “thoughtful placemaking” that will help keep taxes low for Roswell residents. “This innovative development project will generate new revenue streams while revitalizing a key downtown area,” noted the mayor in this week’s SOW announcement, “making Roswell an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

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