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DECATUR,GA– The Decide DeKalb Development Authority board today (Sept. 11)approved two transformative projects totaling over $6 million in Tax Allocation District (TAD) investments.
The two projects include a $3.8M award in Candler Crossing, a grocery-anchored development improving food access in Southwest DeKalb, and a $2.3M award for Cottages at Midway, an 18-unit mixed-income homeownership cottage community in Decatur.
“These approvals represent exactly the kind of strategic investment that transform communities,” said Dorian DeBarr, president of Decide DeKalb. “Together, these projects will address critical needs, from access to fresh groceries to attainable housing, while creating jobs, improving infrastructure and demonstrating how public investment can unlock private capital to revitalize our neighborhoods.”
Candler Crossing
Candler Crossing will be located at 1816 Candler Road in Decatur. Key project details include:
- Developer: Venture South Investments (VSI)
- Investment: $28.9 million total development cost
- Location: 7.26-acre property at the southeast corner of Candler Road and Glenwood Road
- Retail Space: 50,325-square-foot grocery store and 11,200-square-foot multi-tenant retail building
- Community Features: Extensive hardscape plaza and green space, walking trail, pedestrian improvements, renovated MARTA bus stop
- Affordable Commercial Space: One 2,000-square-foot retail space reserved for local businesses at 60% of market rent for first five years, limiting annual rent increases to 8% in years 6-10
- Timeline: Construction begins spring 2026, initial occupancy October 2027
- Job Creation: At least 100 construction jobs and 183 permanent position
“We’re proud to invest in this corner of DeKalb,” said Evan Conder, Partner at VSI. “In addition to bringing a new grocery opportunity, we’re designing a walkable, sustainable community gathering space that will benefit people in this neighborhood for decades to come.”
Candler Crossing is utilizing Decide DeKalb’s TAD “pay-as-you-go” grant structure, meaning developers receive reimbursements only as tax-increment revenue is generated by completed projects. This approach ensures taxpayers bear no upfront risk while enabling transformative development.
Cottages at Midway
The board also approved a $2.255 million Urban Renewal Fund award for Cottages at Midway through the Avondale Mall/Columbia Drive (Avondale) TAD. Key project details include:
- Developer: MicroLife Institute and Housing Development Corporation of DeKalb (HDC)
- Investment: $6.8 million total development cost
- Location: 2.12-acre property at 2883 & 2893 Midway Road off Columbia Drive in Decatur
- Housing: 18-unit for-sale cottage community with homes averaging 1,035 square feet
- Mixed-Income: 12 homes reserved for missing middle homebuyers earning up to 80% and 120% of area median income
- Design Features: Homes grouped around central greenspace with walking paths and flexible community amenities
- Affordability Term: 10-year commitment ensuring long-term affordability for working homeowners
- Timeline: Construction begins early 2026, home sales estimated to start September 2026
- Job Creation: At least 175 construction jobs
“Midway Cottages is more than a housing project — it’s an investment in DeKalb’s future,” said Will Johnston, executive director of MicroLife Institute. “Thanks to Decide DeKalb’s TAD funding, we’re not only creating affordable and workforce housing opportunities, but also driving local economic growth through job creation, increased tax revenue and sustainable neighborhood revitalization. Partnering with Housing Development Corporation and Alair Homes, we’re proud to deliver a community that strengthens both families and the local economy.”
Decide DeKalb structured its TAD Urban Renewal Fund award in Cottages at Midway via three investment vehicles: a $752,000 subordinate acquisition and construction loan, a $528,000 grant, and a $975,000 forgivable loan to support missing middle homebuyers. The forgivable loan allows the Development Team to offer market rate homes at a lower sales price for qualifying families earning up to 80% or 120% AMI. So long as the home remains owner-occupied and is not sold, the loan will be forgiven at the end of the 10-year affordability term. This approach ensures a variety of families will have access to homeownership opportunities, without sacrificing quality, location or community amenities.
“These projects exemplify our commitment to equitable development that serves all DeKalb residents,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “Strategic public investment is unlocking private capital to create quality jobs, essential services, and affordable housing opportunities that strengthen our communities.”
Decide DeKalb has a total of five tax allocation districts all established to catalyze redevelopment along key corridors in the county.
About Decide DeKalb
Decide DeKalb serves as the primary arm of economic development and job growth for DeKalb County, Georgia. DeKalb has a diverse population of 760,000 and is home to 13 cities, including the City of Atlanta, as well as the cities of Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Stonecrest, Stone Mountain, and Tucker. Since 2020, Decide DeKalb has facilitated over $2.4 billion in investment and helped generate or retain more than 11,000 jobs across the county, fueling economic growth in the region. Decide DeKalb’s 2024 Annual Report can be found here.