Lindsay Street: A Vacant Property Becomes Affordable Housing and Community Space

A formerly neglected property in Atlanta's English Avenue neighborhood has a new purpose.

Nonprofit developer oaksATL has opened a new mixed-use development on Lindsay Street, bringing six affordable apartments along with retail and office space to the neighborhood. The ribbon cutting was held June 24.

A Small Development With a Larger Purpose

Six apartments may sound small compared with the 100- and 200-unit developments being built across Atlanta, but this project takes a different approach.

The property was previously described as a deteriorating, absentee-landlord property. Instead of allowing it to remain vacant or replacing it with market-rate development, oaksATL redeveloped the site into affordable housing and commercial space intended to serve the surrounding community.

The project received financial support through Atlanta's Westside Tax Allocation District, which helps fund development and community improvements in neighborhoods on Atlanta's Westside.

Part of a Larger Effort in English Avenue

oaksATL is connected to Peace Preparatory Academy and has been developing affordable housing for families in English Avenue for several years.

In 2020, the organization renovated 31 affordable apartments across three buildings in the neighborhood. The Lindsay Street project adds six more homes while also creating space that can be used by businesses and organizations serving the community.

English Avenue is experiencing substantial redevelopment, including several of the housing projects we've recently covered. Smaller developments like this can help preserve affordable housing.

Sources: Invest Atlanta