Butler Street Community Development Corporation (BSCDC), a pillar of Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, in partnership with Gorman & Company and Red Rock Global, proudly announces the groundbreaking of Sweet Auburn Grande, a transformative mixed-use housing and commercial project.
Located along the historic Jesse Hill Drive and Auburn Avenue corridors, Sweet Auburn Grande will feature 109 residential units, including 92 affordable homes serving families earning 30%, 50%, and 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and 17 market-rate units.
In addition to housing, Sweet Auburn Grande will feature ground-floor commercial spaces, ideally positioned to serve residents and the influx of foot traffic from Georgia State University students and visitors to nearby Martin Luther King Jr. historical sites.
The development will offer community amenities like a fitness center, computer center, and outdoor gathering spaces. It will also have a restored historic architectural flair, including elements of the 229 building. The project integrates modern living with historic preservation, contributing to the redevelopment of the Sweet Auburn streetscape—a neighborhood rich in cultural and historical significance.
“This project is about honoring our community’s history while building a brighter future,” said Alfonza Marshall, Board Chair of Butler Street CDC. “Sweet Auburn Grande represents the resilience of the Sweet Auburn District and our mission to preserve its heritage while addressing pressing needs like affordable housing and economic opportunities for local families. Our partnership with Gorman & Company ensures this vision will come to life in a way that benefits everyone.”
Sweet Auburn Grande’s location ensures residents have unparalleled access to transportation. The Atlanta Streetcar, six MARTA stations, numerous bus routes, and major interstates are nearby. This connectivity aligns with the project’s focus on fostering an inclusive, accessible community.
“Sweet Auburn Grande is a commitment to honoring Atlanta’s history while addressing the present-day need for equitable, affordable housing,” Joel Reed, Southeast Market President, Gorman & Company, said. “This groundbreaking represents a milestone in our ongoing partnership with Butler Street CDC, whose unwavering dedication to the community has been integral to making this vision a reality.”
The joint venture between BSCDC and Gorman & Company highlights the power of public-private partnerships. Gorman will oversee the project’s development, design, construction, and management while BSCDC continues its stewardship of Sweet Auburn’s historic assets.
Sweet Auburn Grande is financed and supported by the following partners: Butler Street CDC, Red Rock Global, LLC, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Invest Atlanta, Truist, Grandbridge, Gorman General Contractors, Gorman Architecture, and Gorman Property Management.
Gorman & Company, celebrating 40 years of childhood revitalization, specializes in high-quality, affordable workforce and public and senior housing nationwide. With expertise in development, d sign, construction, and portfolio management, Gorman collaborates with municipalities, government agencies, and nonprofits to build inclusive, vibrant communities. For over a decade, Affordable Housing Finance has recognized Gorman as a top “Affordable Housing Developer.”
The Butler Street Community Development Corporation has a long and storied history in the Sweet Auburn community. Its support goes back to the early 1900’s. Established as the Butler Street YMCA in 1920, it has been a meeting place and has provided countless programs for youth and adults in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and beyond. Almost every prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement walked through its doors. The Butler Street Community Development Corporation breathes new life into this historic neighborhood. It continues the vision and the work of helping the community and the city when needed. The legacy lives on.
