New Birth hosts ceremonial groundbreaking on mixed-use housing development: The Benison ATL

STONECREST, GA—There was excitement and cheers as the groundbreaking ceremony took place today (May 18) for a mixed-use development that will be built on the campus of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. 

The pastor of the mega church, Dr. Jamal Bryant, said the project, known as The Benison ATL, will offer 2-3 bedroom mini homes ranging from 650 square feet to just over 1,200 square feet. Prices will start at round $150K and are expected to sell quickly in response to a demand for more affordable housing in the region, officials said.

The Benison ATL , which will include 336 units, will unfold in three phases and will occupy 35 acres on New Birth’s campus at Evans Mill and Woodruff roads. Dr. Bryant said that New Birth is the largest land-owning black church in America with 270+ acres. The land was purchased under the leadership of the late Bishop Eddie Long. 

“When this is complete with retail and restaurants and townhomes and mini homes, it will be the only development in America that is owned by black people,” Bryant exclaimed. 

Phase I will feature 120 mini homes, followed by townhomes in Phase II, and concluding with residential/retail space in Phase III. Notable amenities include an amphitheater, expansive green spaces, and a swimming pool – catering to diverse demographics including young professionals, couples, empty nesters, and seniors.

Dr. Bryant’s vision to provide affordable housing in a work, live and play community led to a partnership and a land lease agreement with Anthony Williams, the lead developer of The Benison ATL . Williams was selected after Bryant and New Birth’s Board of Directors and other key leaders interviewed several developers for the project, officials said. 

“We’re calling them mini homes or micro homes. They are not tiny homes—There is a distinction. Tiny homes are 200, 300, 400 square feet,” said Williams. “We’re doing the microhomes on a mixed use live, work, play development–a place where you live, shop and have those experiences. “ Williams said he hopes to begin pulling permits for the project this summer. 

 “Generations of unborn are going to be blessed by what’s happening toda,!” Bryant told an enthusiastic crowd who attended the groundbreaking. “…It is the intention of God that every generation goes further than the previous generation. The is the first generation in American history  who’s  faring worse than their parents. We’re believing that we’re going to break that generational curse.” 

For more information about The Benison ATL, visit www.thebenisonATL.com.

Here’s a look at portions of the May 19 groundbreaking ceremony(video and photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ ocgnews.com):