FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May 24, 2021
MARTA SELLS LAND TO
COLUMBIA RESIDENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT AVONDALE
STATION
Sale Represents Final Components of Transit-Oriented
Development in Decatur
ATLANTA – The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
Transit Authority (MARTA) has sold two parcels of land near Avondale rail
station on the Blue Line for the development of 80 housing units for seniors.
Columbia Residential will develop the affordable and mixed income housing units
in partnership with the Decatur Housing Authority. The parcels, totaling 1.45
acres, are the final two components of the master transit-oriented development
(TOD) executed between MARTA, Columbia Ventures LLC and the City of Decatur.
“This sale represents another great effort
by MARTA’s TOD team and supports our ongoing mission to provide equitable
access to transit and affordable housing,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO
Jeffrey Parker. “Offering senior affordable housing next to our transit
stations provides freedom and flexibility for the older members of our
communities. Thank you to Columbia Residential for your continued partnership
in bringing affordable units online near our rail stations.”
“Older populations face numerous housing
challenges, especially those related to affordability, physical accessibility,
and access to medical care inside and outside the home,” said Decatur Mayor
Patti Garrett. “To have affordable housing with direct access to transit and
the greater MARTA system is an incredible advantage for our senior residents
and greatly improves quality of life opportunities to connect with others and
to needed services."
The City of Decatur, Decatur Housing
Authority and DeKalb County are providing financial support for the new
development, which adds to the 92 affordable senior units built in 2018 and
provides housing for residents at a range of incomes below 80 percent of area
median income. The 80 additional 1- and 2-bedroom units and amenities targeted
for seniors have direct access to Avondale Station.
“Columbia is extremely pleased to be able
to continue our productive partnership of affordable and mixed-income housing
in these key locations at MARTA stations. The commitment of MARTA and its land
to housing affordability as a priority is facilitating affordable housing in
transit-advantaged locations around metro Atlanta,” said President of Columbia
Residential Jim Grauley.
MARTA currently has 1,500 affordable
housing units either completed, under construction, in negotiation or in
procurement/planning with various development partners and throughout its
system.
About Columbia Residential
Columbia Residential is an award-winning
Atlanta-based developer of affordable and mixed-income housing communities,
founded by current Chairman Noel Khalil 30 years ago. Columbia Residential
develops, manages, and owns communities ranging from infill sites to large
master planned communities in Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, and is
currently managing over 8,500 affordable and mixed-income units in 60
communities. To learn more visit www.columbiares.com.
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