LISTEN: The groundbreaking of Sylvan Hills II brings Atlanta a little closer to its goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2030. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.

A three story white apartment building and a parking lot.

A rendering of the Sylvan Hills II apartment complex.

Credit: Atlanta Housing

Southwest Atlanta will be home to 233 new affordable housing units. Leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for Sylvan Hills II, a 10.2-acre family apartment complex.

The development moves Atlanta closer to Mayor Andre Dickens’ goal of building or preserving 20,000 units of affordable housing by 2030.

He said Sylvan Hills II is a step forward for the city.

“I'm proud that together we've been able to implement impactful housing investments and initiatives,” Dickens said. “Including density bonus programs, rapid housing programs, and all this is to increase the supply of housing and to combat homelessness in our communities, Sylvan Hills II is the next chapter in this growing story.”

The new complex will include affordable housing units in various styles from townhouses to apartments. The project was created without using federal low-income housing tax credits.

Councilmember Antonio Lewis represents the area. He said funding came from eight different public and private organizations.

“So that means that the city of Atlanta, that means Invest Atlanta, Atlanta Housing, HUD, and different private developers had to put money together to make this happen,” Lewis said. “The only way we were able to keep the affordable component was if we did it in this manner.”

Sylvan Hills II will offer units at three levels of affordability. The most expensive units will be priced for people making less than 80% of the area median income. That includes any individual making less than $64,000 a year or less than $91,000 for a family of four.

Rents will range from $1,149 to $2,100 per month.

Pastor James Tukes preaches at Shady Grove Baptist Church, less than a mile away from the development. He said for years the site was an eyesore.

“To see somebody coming in and making a change in our community is the most gratifying thing to feel today,” Tukes said. “I'm grateful. I'm so grateful that they have decided to make it an affordable place that our community people, some people who don't make the six figures, can come in and have a sustainable and nice place to live.”

Sylvan Hills II is scheduled to open fall 2026.

Tags: affordable housing  Atlanta  Georgia  low income housing  HUD