Bringing Affordable Housing and Affordable Commercial Spaces to Atlanta's Historic West End

The Atlanta Beltline is dedicated to equitable development, making housing and commercial spaces more affordable for everyone, and the acquisition and redevelopment of the Mall West End is another step toward achieving our vision. On October 1st, the City of Atlanta announced the acquisition of the Mall West End, thanks to the collaborative partnership between Atlanta Beltline, Inc. and Atlanta Urban Development Corporation. The redevelopment project will transform the 12-acre space located in the heart of West End on Oak St SW, into a mixed-use community that will include affordable housing and retail options, including those that serve small, local businesses.  

Clyde Higgs, President and CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc., shared his excitement about this project: “In the midst of record investment being announced nearby, the Mall West End redevelopment represents a unique opportunity to advance fully affordable housing and commercial spaces in Atlanta along the 22-mile corridor. Developments like this ensure that all Atlantans can benefit from shared prosperity, with access to jobs, amenities, and transit connections. We are excited to work with AUD, BRP Companies, and the community to create an equitable, inclusive, and sustainable mixed-use development that the West End community will enjoy for decades to come." 

Known as one of Atlanta’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, the Historic West End is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A catalyst for African American businesses and community life, the neighborhood’s vibrant culture highlights its unique traditions and stories, which are pivotal to Atlanta’s identity and future. 

What’s Planned for the Mall West End?  

• Nearly 900 rental units, with mixed incomes.  Twenty percent of the units will be affordable to households earning 50% of area median income (AMI) and ten percent affordable to households earning 80% of AMI. 125,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store, fitness center, restaurants, and local boutiques. 

• At least 10,000 square feet of affordable space for small, local businesses. 

• Housing targeted for students. 

• 12,000 square feet of medical office space. 

• A hotel with 150 rooms. 

• Community features such as an activated street scape, resident lounges, and bike parking. 

The Beltline has set an ambitious goal of creating or preserving at least 5,600 affordable and workforce housing units in the Beltline Planning Area by 2030. As of October 2024, the Beltline has already reached 68% of that goal—a major step forward in making housing more affordable for Atlanta’s residents. The Mall West End’s development of 125,000 sq ft of retail space is also fundamental to the Beltline’s commitment to generating and maintaining commercial affordability on and around the trail.  

"This acquisition is a significant milestone that has been long awaited. The Mall West End presents an incredible opportunity to develop a vibrant, modern, and inclusive community centered around transit. We're thrilled to be fully committed to both affordable housing and commercial affordability in this transformative project,” said Dennis Richards, Vice President of Housing Policy and Development. 

The Beltline's vision is to make Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable life. Redevelopment projects like the Mall West End contribute to turning that vision into reality.  With a strong focus on both affordable housing and affordable commercial spaces, and working closely with partners and the local community, this project will help ensure that the people who live and work in this vibrant neighborhood can continue to thrive. 

To learn more about the Beltline’s commitment to affordable housing, click here. 

To track current units through the Beltline’s Affordable Housing Dashboard, click here.