Gwinnett County to transform extended-stay hotel into affordable housing for at-risk populations

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—An obsolete extended-stay hotel in Peachtree Corners soon will be transformed into long-term, affordable housing for homeless youths, youths aging out of foster care, vulnerable seniors and other at-risk populations.  

The Gwinnett Housing Corporation (GHC), county officials and community partners are hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking on Wednesday, Feb. 25, to officially kick off the project. 

The county has acquired the Spring Swallow Lodge at 7065 Jimmy CarterBlvd. for theconversion.  The total development cost is $14.5M, with Praxis 3 operating as architect and Aapco as General Contractor of the housing development, which will be called The Lodge. In addition to more than half of the funding coming from the county, several philanthropic foundations and others, including the City of Peachtree Corners are supporting the development. 

Officials said GHC will provide 73 affordable studios and 1-bedroom units (450-650 sq. ft.) with full kitchens, converting the 4.69-acreproperty into a locally-owned, professionally managed community asset. The occupancy is scheduled to start in the fall of 2026, GHC said.

Karen Ramsey, Gwinnett Housing Corporation CEO, said the project will address a growing and critical need and will be the county’s first hotel conversion. 

“As the need for affordable housing continues to increase, we have to find innovative ways to increase the affordable housing stock, diverse financing structures, and intentional partnerships to expand our reach,” said Ramsey. “This project is an example of all of these elements working together to bring that vision to reality. This also serves as the first of its kind project for GwinnettCounty.”

According to Gwinnett County’s coordinated intake during a 21-month period, 522 seniors were found to be homeless, precariously housed, or living in a shelter. Likewise, the Annie E. Casey Foundation has also shown that nearly 40% of foster youths experience homelessness within two years of aging out of the foster care program. Approximately 700 children age out of the program every year in Georgia, further proving the need for sustainable and affordable housing projects such as the Lodge, the foundation found. Officials say the conversion will reduce residential turnover and lower crime associated with extended-stay operations, adding green spaces, energy-efficient systems, and modern safety features.

Ramsey said the county is creating a property that is modern, efficient, affordable, and welcoming.

“This project is not a traditional building rehab, but a commitment to creating a property that residents will be proud to call home,” she said.

GHC is partnering with several nonprofit service providers to create a full array of social services for the residents.

Lejla Prljaca, GHC Chief Development Officer, further supports Ramsey, pointing out that “this project represents a full-circle milestone for our organization.” 

 “More than a decade ago, we began elevating the voices of families experiencing hidden housing insecurity,” Prljaca said. “Through our When Extended Stay Becomes Home study in Norcross, we found that 84 percent of respondents were relying on extended stay hotels as housing of last resort. That finding propelled our advocacy at the county and state levels to advance policies supporting the conversion of these properties into stable, permanent affordable housing.”

Gwinnett county thanks the following project funders: Gwinnett County, Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, Gwinnett County Housing Authority, Ellis Foundation, Embassy Bank, Cox Foundation, Georgia Power Foundation, Community Foundation of Northeast Georgia, Primerica, Josef William Foundation, Francis Wood Foundation, Woodward Foundation.

Images provided via Praxis3/GHC.