Building responsibly in Atlanta’s West End
713 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard in the West End has hosted various industries for over a century but now requires cleanup due to contamination. We propose to purchase, remediate, and redevelop the site into a data center with retail space.
Current zoning does not permit data centers in this location due to its proximity to a MARTA station.
The City of Atlanta is reviewing a proposed text amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow data center development in the West End. The amendment would apply only to this specific property.
Alongside the current property owner, we are working closely throughout the process with community members and local leaders.
Through these conversations, we heard feedback from neighbors about the importance of community spaces.
The plan was updated to include retail fronting Ralph David Abernathy, green areas, a dog park, and wide sidewalks for safer more comfortable walking.
“This project is an opportunity to build economically in our community because it not only creates jobs just for tech workers, but also for those involved in construction.”
Listening to community concerns
A closed-loop cooling system will be used to minimize water use, with an initial fill comparable to two residential swimming pools and water recirculated through the system.
Major equipment will be housed indoors with sound-dampening features. Backup generators will be enclosed, used only for emergencies and limited testing, and required to comply with local noise ordinances.
Georgia Power has publicly stated that residential ratepayers will not bear data center-related costs. Required power and infrastructure upgrades would be funded by our project and strengthen the local grid.
Proposed site plan
This site plan shows how the project is intended to fit at street level, including retail along the boulevard, pedestrian improvements, landscaping, and site access.
Stay in touch
We're committed to transparency, sustainability, and being good neighbors throughout this collaboration with Atlanta. We welcome your questions about this project.
FAQs
How does this project benefit the local community?
The project would provide:
- Infrastructure: New electrical substation improving grid capacity for surrounding area.
- Environmental: $20+ million private investment in soil and groundwater remediation.
- Retail: 35,000 sq ft commercial space along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
- Community spaces: Wider sidewalks, street trees, lighting, community outdoor space.
- Security: 24/7 staffed facility with security systems.
- Tax revenue: We are not seeking tax breaks or public funding for the development of the proposed facility.
What kinds of jobs will be created?
The project is estimated to create 200 to 300 construction jobs over approximately two years, including electricians, ironworkers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters. Once operational, the facility would employ 150-300 full-time data center staff and 50 retail positions.
We're currently in discussions with local technical colleges about creating training programs for community residents. Our data centers employ a variety of workers, from the trades, security and janitorial, engineers, and office staff.
What will the proposed development look like?
The plan calls for a two-story building with a smaller footprint than the existing structure. Landscaping and buffers will screen equipment from street view.
Retail along Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and wide sidewalks will improve the pedestrian experience and bring more activity to the street. The plan includes an outdoor community space of approximately 8,000 square feet, including a dog park and green space.
Why can’t this property be developed for residential use?
Residential development on this property faces several constraints:
- Location: The site is bordered by I-20 (interstate noise), active CSX rail lines, MARTA infrastructure, and the CSX underpass.
- Environmental: Residential development requires more stringent (and expensive) environmental remediation standards than commercial/industrial use.
These factors make commercial development more practical for this specific location.
How are we engaging with the community?
We have been partnering with and listening to members of the West End community for over a year to thoughtfully develop this project. We aim to enter into Community Development Agreements and work alongside local technical colleges to build a future workforce pipeline for residents. We welcome ongoing dialogue and are committed to being transparent, responsive neighbors.