Fulton County will launch a major redevelopment of the Fulton Industrial Boulevard corridor over the next 5 years through its ambitious Renew the District initiative. During the first quarter, the County plans to issue a Master Developer RFP to explore options for redevelopment of these properties, which may include commercial redevelopment as well as permanent supportive housing, veterans housing, and other options.
“As our community looks toward the future of the Fulton Industrial District, we are now developing a plan that provides a thoughtful and strategic vison for the future of the area,” said Chairman Robb Pitts. “This plan could provide for opportunities for expanded residential and retail developments in an a blighted area that is ready for growth.”
The three-pronged Renew the District plan focuses on:
- Commercial Revitalization: redevelopment of formerly blighted properties and reimagining of existing spaces around the corridor;
- Capital Investment: Modern Public Services
- Renewal of the Fulton County Airport.
Over the last two years, Fulton County has acquired seven blighted properties along the FIB corridor, including five hotels. The $15.9 million investment represents approximately 17 acres. During the first quarter, the County plans to issue a Master Developer RFP to explore options for redevelopment of these properties, which may include commercial redevelopment as well as permanent supportive housing, veterans housing, and other options.
Capital Investment: Modern Public Services
Fulton County is investing $55 million in two major capital projects, including the new Fulton County Animal Shelter and a new Public Safety Training facility. The Animal Shelter broke ground in 2021 and is expected to open in 2023.
Both projects will replace outdated infrastructure in other areas of Fulton County with modern, purpose-build facilities, and will catalyze other developments within the Fulton Industrial corridor.
Renewal of Fulton County Executive Airport at Brown Field (FTY)
The Fulton County Executive Airport at Brown Field is undergoing an Airport Master Plan that will project growth over the next 20 years, including redevelopment of current facilities on airport property. In 2018, UPS opened its $400 million “super-hub” on Fulton County Airport property.
The Airport Master plan will consider the results of a 2020 study by the Urban Land Institute, which provided recommendations for opportunities for reimagining of properties adjacent to the Fulton County Airport. One of these will include redevelopment of the former Airway Motel property, which was purchased by Fulton County and demolished in 2021.
About the Fulton Industrial District
The Fulton Industrial District is known as the largest industrial district in the Eastern United States with more than 52 million square feet of industrial space, 28,000 jobs and $2.4 billion in payroll. It is also the last unincorporated area of Fulton County. Last year, portions of the Corridor South of I-20 were annexed into the City of South Fulton through legislation passed by the Georgia General Assembly. An additional area North of I-20 will be annexed into the City of Atlanta. Through the passage of HB 459 in 2021, the Fulton County Airport will remain unincorporated.