Atlanta Selects Developer for Historic Lakewood Heights School Redevelopment, Focusing on Housing and Community Revitalization
The City of Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools have chosen Ali-Graceline Development, a joint venture, to redevelop the historic Lakewood Heights Elementary School property. The project, located at 335 Sawtell Ave. SE, will adaptively reuse the original 1932 school building as part of a 54,721-square-foot mixed-use development. Plans include 42,721 square feet for residential use and 12,000 square feet for commercial space. This initiative aligns with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens's Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, aiming to create housing, preserve local history, and deliver lasting value to residents. The school building, which had been closed since 2004, was nearly demolished in 2022 but was saved due to pushback from the city and historic preservationists. The Atlanta Board of Education and the Atlanta Urban Development Board approved the development agreement and ground lease in September, marking the first joint APS-AUD development agreement.
