ATLANTA (July 5, 2011) - The Atlanta BeltLine is the largest redevelopment and economic development project in the United States, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. CEO and President Brian Leary told Carter executives last week. The 22-mile loop that will connect 45 city neighborhoods is moving forward, and Atlantans already can see concrete examples of the BeltLine across the city.
The BeltLine will create more than 1,300 acres of new park space along 33 miles of new trails and be home to 5,600 units of affordable housing over the next 25 years. Leary says 22 percent of Atlanta's population lives in the Atlanta BeltLine planning area.
Leary, who took over as ABI's chief executive in October 2009, updated Carter executives last week at Carter's headquarters. He then led the group on a tour of the BeltLine that included stops at the Historic Fourth Ward Park/Skate Park, D.H. Stanton Park and the quarry that will become Westside Reservoir Park. The quarry has served as a locale or backdrop for more movie scenes filled in Georgia than any other site.
When the conversion of the quarry, the former Bellwood Quarry property, is completed, the Westside Reservoir Park will be the city's largest park. The reservoir will hold about 2 billion gallons of water and create a 30-day emergency supply of drinking water for Atlanta. In the photo above, Carter's Conor McNally, left, John Akin, center, and David Nelson stand on a platform overlooking the quarry.
Several prime redevelopment sites exist along the BeltLine, and Leary says he expects to see high levels of interest from developers. One such site, Atlanta Technology Center at Northside Drive and I-75, is being marketed for sale by Carter. Leary said he believes the 19-acre property is a prime candidate for multifamily and office development because of its location.
