North Downtown Athens

Through an exciting public-private partnership, Jonathan Rose Companies, Columbia Residential, and the Athens Housing Authority have come together to bring the North Downtown Athens project to life. This transformative four-phase redevelopment, spanning over 12 acres adjacent to Downtown Athens, GA, aims to revitalize the existing Bethel Midtown Village housing development. By embracing a denser housing program, the project will not only preserve all existing housing but also expand workforce and affordable housing, offering units ranging from deeply affordable to market-rate. 

Once complete, the community will feature over 500 units, more than doubling the affordable housing options in Downtown Athens. Current residents will be temporarily relocated with the option to return to brand-new homes post-construction. With the support of Athens-Clarke County Unified Government SPLOST 2020 funding, the project will also replace outdated infrastructure with updated public benefits, including enhanced public transportation access, new city blocks, and public greenspaces, creating a vibrant, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood on the north end of Downtown. 

The site’s master plan, developed through extensive community engagement, has been celebrated for its outstanding public involvement, winning best-in-category by the Georgia Planning Association in 2023. The plan also targets LEED for Communities Silver certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. 

Phase I is already underway, with 77 Bethel Midtown Village units demolished and construction progressing on a 120-unit mixed-income building set to open in 2025. Phase I will also include a public park that serves as stormwater infrastructure for the site. Phase II involves the demolition of two additional existing buildings, to be replaced with 146 new units featuring amenities such as a community room, exercise room, computer center, and courtyard. Groundbreaking for Phase II is anticipated for 2025, with occupancy expected by early 2027. Future Phases III and IV will develop the balance of the site.