Sandy Springs Economic Development Director Chris Burnett said city officials want to identify projects that could serve as a catalyst for redevelopment.
Speaking to the council at its annual retreat held on Feb. 5 and 6, he said they would evaluate what opportunities exist, focusing on the city’s aging office market. Aging buildings would be the target of citywide design guidelines. A pilot project could incentivize owners to make property enhancements.
Burnett said the economic development staff works as a liaison between the city and developers. Regular meetings between the two entities would include discussions about how to cut vacancy rates with commercial brokers, building owners, and developers. Members of the Atlanta Board of Realtors and the Perimeter Community Improvement District would be invited.
Burnett identified several redevelopment projects across the city that could add 43 single-unit residences, 1,874 multi-units, 131 condos, 100 assisted living units, 63,500 square feet of office space, and 50,500 square feet of retail space.
Council member Tibby DeJulio asked why there aren’t more age-restricted residential developments.
Mayor Rusty Paul said the COVID-19 pandemic had a big impact on development.
“I’ve worked in those two areas as a consultant through the years, and skilled nursing facilities got really hammered with COVID, as did assisted living and even some of the independent living facilities. So that liability issue is weighing on a lot of people right now,” Paul said.
Burnett told council members that not much demand exists for live-work developments.
An evaluation of trail activation and the potential for container-based business concepts along trails in the Perimeter would be part of the work.
Redevelopment Projects in Sandy Springs
Many potential redevelopment sites were identified, including the vacant Cox Enterprises property, which includes undeveloped land, two large parcels on the southeast quadrant of the Abernathy Road/GA 400 intersection, and at the entrance to the Sandy Springs MARTA Station. Infill or redevelopment is possible at the Embassy Row office park.
Redevelopment projects lined up for the Perimeter District include a 367-unit residential project with retail and restaurant space at 1034 Hammond Dr. Burnett told the city council it was approaching the permitting stage.
Projects at 6660 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Embassy Row 100 (341 residential units) and 300 (362 residential units), are in the permitting phase. Other projects include Solana, a 100-unit assisted living development at 6609 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., and an 18-unit townhouse development at 6669 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd.
Redevelopment would extend beyond the Perimeter. Work to advance City Springs Phase II is one of the planned initiatives. Burnett said The Gregory at 135 Cliftwood Dr., a 36-unit condominium project, is close to permitting. The Vio at 318 Sandy Springs Cir. is under construction, with 18 luxury condos. A concept for a multi-use project at 5920 Roswell Rd. (Parkside) might involve modifications to the original site plan.
Roswell Road Central redevelopment projects include a Fifth Third Bank. Condos might rise at 6400-6410 Roswell Rd. A Peach State Academy is under consideration for a Steak and Shake restaurant site.
The Northridge District has possible sites for future development by building parking garages at office buildings to free developable land. Warehousing along Dunwoody Place is under contract. Redevelopment projects include 56 condos permitted at 9300 Roberts Dr. Burnett said financing for condos is difficult to get.
The 273-multi-residential unit Wayfern development at 7300 Roswell Rd. is under construction. The live-work community will include 10 single-family units.
In the Medical Center node, a Lake Hearn residential development is partially permitted. The project at 1299 Altmore Ave. would have 341 residential units. Burnett said it would have abundant amenity space. It is near the Medical Center MARTA Station and Lake Hearn Drive.