The Decide DeKalb Development Authority approved two tax allocation district (TAD) investments in Metro Atlanta. Candler Crossing and Cottages at Midway received final approval from Decide DeKalb on September 11.
The projects aim to bring mixed-income homes, new community spaces, and hundreds of jobs to neighborhoods across DeKalb County.
Highlights
- The TAD investments by the Decide DeKalb Development Authority are over $6 million.
- Decide DeKalb works towards job growth and economic development in DeKalb County.
- While Candler Crossing is a grocery-anchored project, Cottages at Midway is an affordable mixed-income cottage neighborhood.
Decatur Welcomes Dual Economic Boost: Over $6 Million in TAD Investments Approved
The Decatur-based organization gave its nod to the two community projects in Metro Atlanta this Thursday. These projects are collectively worth more than $6 million in tax allocation district (TAD) investments.
Candler Crossing in Southwest DeKalb will receive $3.8 million. This grocery-anchored development also includes a shopping center and a variety of community amenities.
The second investment is worth $2.3 million for Cottages at Midway, located in Decatur. This project is an 18-unit affordable, mixed-income development, offering a cottage community.
Decide DeKalb President Dorian DeBarr said the projects will address key community needs, including access to fresh groceries and affordable housing. New jobs will be created and infrastructure will be improved through the public investment in the Metro Atlanta area.
Candler Crossing: A New Chapter
Helmed by Venture South Investments, the 7.26-acre property sits at 1816 Candler Road in Decatur. Candler Crossing features a 50,325-square-foot grocery store. The $28.9 million project further includes an 11,200-square-foot multi-tenant retail building.
The amenities at Candler Crossing include a hardscape plaza, walking trails, a refurbished MARTA bus stop, and more. A 2,000-square-foot retail space is kept aside for DeKalb’s local businesses. Tenants will pay 60% of market rent for the first five years.
The construction of the property at the southeast corner of Candler Road and Glenwood Road is slated for spring 2026. Initial occupancy at Candler Crossing is expected to kick off in October 2027.
Through the project, nearly 100 construction jobs and 183 permanent positions could be created at the DeKalb location.
Candler Crossing is using the “pay-as-you-go” grant structure of Decide DeKalb. With this, the developer can receive reimbursement only when the completed project generates the tax-increment revenue.
Cottages at Midway: Enhancing Homeownership Opportunities
MicroLife Institute and Housing Development Corporation of DeKalb (HDC) are developing the cottage neighborhood. The 2.12-acre property is nestled at 2883 & 2893 Midway Road off Columbia Drive in Decatur. Cottages at Midway’s total development cost is $6.8 million.
A total of 18 units of the cottage community are on sale, with homes spanning 1,035 square feet. Twelve homes are reserved for ‘missing middle’ buyers earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income.
Cottages at Midway features homes grouped around a central green space. The development also includes walking paths and other shared community amenities.
The Decatur project’s 10-year commitment emphasizes long-term affordability for working tenants. Construction is expected to kick off at Cottages at Midway by early 2026, and home sales by around September 2026.
The cottage neighborhood project could create approximately 175 construction jobs in Decatur.
Decide DeKalb has awarded the Urban Renewal Fund through the Avondale Mall/Columbia Drive (Avondale) TAD. The fund is structured via three investment vehicles. This includes a $975,000 forgivable loan to aid missing middle homebuyers, a $752,000 subordinate acquisition and construction loan, and a $528,000 grant.
Through the forgivable loan program, developers at Cottages at Midway can offer market-rate homes at a lower sales price. This will be for Atlanta families making up to 80% or 120% AMI. The loan will be forgiven upon conclusion of the 10-year affordability term, given that the tenant keeps residing in and doesn’t sell the home.
Both the Metro Atlanta projects reflect a commitment to job creation, sustainable neighborhood development, and inclusive growth.
