The City of Doraville had a demolition ceremony of its city hall and municipal building on Saturday, Sept. 27, marking a significant step in redeveloping Doraville City Center into a walkable gathering place for the community.
“This site has been the center of Doraville’s civic life for 150 years. As we take down these buildings, we are making way for a reinvigorated downtown that will remain the heart of our city for decades to come.” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman in a release from the city.
The city hosted a celebration at the demolition site, featuring food, music, family-friendly activities and “a chance to witness history in the making with friends and neighbors,” the release said.
The new city center will include “The People’s Building,” a 30,000-square-foot community hub that will house city hall, a public library, creator studios, two rooftop spaces for private events and ground-floor restaurants that open to a large green space.
Kaufman Capital Partners is the master development partner for the new city center, overseeing planning, design and development.
“The start of demolition is a major step forward in transforming this site into an activated and connected destination that reflects Doraville’s history, spirit and character,” said Garry Sobel, senior vice president for KCP. “We are working in lockstep with the City of Doraville to deliver a vibrant downtown that enriches the lives of those who live and visit here.”
The redevelopment spans 13 acres between New Peachtree Road and Buford Highway, adjacent to the Doraville MARTA Station. Plans for the new city center include pedestrian-friendly streets, a central green space activated with events, multifamily housing, and restaurant options.
To further enhance connectivity, the site will also connect to the Peachtree Creek Greenway and Atlanta Beltline.
The team will include architect McMillan Pazdan Smith, Choate Construction as general contractor and Dunwoody-based DASH Hospitality Group to curate the dining and entertainment experience.
With demolition now underway, KCP expects to deliver the finished project as well as the green space in 2027.
Doraville’s City Hall complex has served as the city’s civic heart for decades, hosting public meetings, supporting local government operations and bearing witness to major milestones that shaped the community, the release said.
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