A new megaproject hopes to bring new life to a former industrial site.

In a piece for Metropolis, Sam Lubell describes the latest ‘megaproject’ on Atlanta’s Beltline, a former rail corridor that Lubell calls “the most successful urban regenerator since New York’s High Line.”
The project, Fourth Ward, will be a mixed-use development with the now familiar mix of green spaces, community amenities, and a 2-acre lake and retention pond.
According to Lubell, “Fourth Ward’s biggest new addition is a 1.1 million-square-foot, 11-story commercial high rise designed by Seattle firm Olson Kundig. The sleek black, metal-edged edifice, containing retail at its base and several levels of sub-surface parking, is two bridged masses, separated by a wide swath of sloping greenery (a collaboration with Future Green.)” The building, which is aiming for LEED Gold certification, includes “intensive thermal and solar modeling” designed to cut energy use.
“Up next for Fourth Ward, in addition to Olson Kundig’s addition, are a collection of multifamily housing buildings by German architects Barkow Liebinger, sited on the development’s lower level. Per local inclusionary zoning rules, each will contain 10 percent affordable units,” as calculated based on Area Median Income (AMI).
FULL STORY: Behind the Latest Megaproject to Rise Along Atlanta’s Beltline

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
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