![[Valid RSS]](https://web.archive.org/web/20240108205913im_/https://ocgnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/valid-rss-rogers.png "Validate my RSS feed")
Pictured Left to Right: 2016 DeKalb Chamber Board Chair Diane McClearen, Chamber President Katerina Taylor, Delta Community Credit Union Brandon Stuckey, MARTA Board Member Robert Dallas, MARTA Senior Director of TOD Amanda Rhein, MARTA GM/CEO Keith Parker, Chamber Board Member John J. Funny, MARTA Chief of Staff Rukiya Thomas, 2017 Chamber Board Chair Frederick L. Daniels, Jr.
A $120 million mixed-use development, led by MARTA’s reinvigorated transit-oriented development (TOD) program, was named 2017 Project of the Year by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce.
The TOD, located in the Avondale Estates community, is currently under construction and will feature a pedestrian-friendly development comprised of 378 market-rate apartments as well as 92 affordable, independent housing options for seniors. The development, known as “E. Co” in reference to the project’s proximity to East College Avenue, also includes 22,000 square-feet of commercial space for future entertainment, dining and retail businesses.
“We are elated and honored to be recognized for our E. Co project as we work to enhance our transit options and reimagine various stations throughout our system,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “At MARTA, we are always exploring innovative ways to enhance the overall transit experience by introducing new amenities, innovations and conveniences for our broad range of customers across the region.”
The E. Co project sits on 7.7 acres of previously underutilized parking. The converted site will connect visitors and residents directly to the East Decatur Greenway PATH and a designated greenspace, creating a more walkable community.
Last December, MARTA broke ground for the mix-used development. It is the Authority’s fourth TOD project to begin construction. The first phase of the E. Co development is scheduled for completion in 2018.
“MARTA has been a critical partner of the Chamber and DeKalb County, and the MARTA Avondale Station TOD is crucial to connecting DeKalb County to the metro Atlanta region and preparing us to support future growth,” Katerina Taylor, DeKalb Chamber President and CEO said.