Atlanta-based real estate firm Third & Urban plans to upgrade its 61,120-square-foot retail portfolio in Virginia Highland, known as the Atkins Park Collection. The initiative will prioritize safety improvements, pedestrian experience, tenants, and beautification. This will help increase daytime activity in the area.
Revitalization in Virginia Highland: The Atkins Park Collection
Third & Urban purchased the first phase of the Atkins Park Collection in December 2024. The land covered 35,370 square feet of retail collection along North Highland Avenue and St. Charles Avenue.
The company then acquired the second phase in September 2025. The second phase included Neighbors, City Church, and additional infill parcels along the block between Greenwood Avenue and St. Charles Avenue. The firm has planned over $3 million in building and streetscape improvements for the retail collection.
Third & Urban has teamed up with a non-profit Virginia Highland District, a nonprofit business association supporting small businesses and beautification initiatives. “This portfolio is important to us because we live in and frequent the area,” said Hank Farmer, co-founder of Third & Urban.
“Many of these businesses are homegrown with roots planted deep in the community, and we want to see them continue to thrive. By refreshing the streetscape and buildings and filling the vacant space with new life, our goal is to provide lasting value to our neighbors and visitors who care as much about the area as we do,” Farmer added.
Project Goals and Community Engagement
Recently, Third & Urban completed work on the 842 North Highland building, which includes railings, a new front stair entry, signage, and a new mural by local artist Janice Rago. Meanwhile, the building upgrades for 780 North Highland will have updated facades and a courtyard with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Retail suites of varying sizes will surround the courtyard. The company aims to attract community-focused beverage and food tenants that will upgrade the neighborhood. Construction for the same is said to begin in late spring. Third & Urban is known for its creative real estate projects like Westside Paper, Armour Yards, and the upcoming Northbend mixed-use community.
It will apply the best of design and placemaking to upgrade the retail experience of the neighborhood. The upgrades aim to revitalize the Atkins Park Collection while preserving the character of the Virginia Highland neighborhood.
