The Beltline, a 22-mile walking and biking path that circles Atlanta’s central business district, has generated a wave of new commercial development focused on walkable neighborhoods with easy access to dining, shopping and offices.
The Terminal South project on Hank Aaron Drive joined the ranks of similar projects when it opened last year. But the development had an extra layer of challenges to overcome. That’s one reason it was chosen for the 2026 CoStar Impact Award for redevelopment of the year for Atlanta.
Before construction could begin, Stafford Properties led an environmental cleanup that included the removal of lead from soil. Stafford also spearheaded additional sustainability features, like permeable surfaces for parking to absorb stormwater runoff and preserving an existing structure instead of building something new.
Terminal South also emphasizes locally owned businesses over national chains. Early tenants include Brown Sugar Babe, a retailer of fragrance and body-care products, and Ruki’s Kitchen, an Ethiopian restaurant.
About the project: Two vacant former warehouses and a coal storage yard were converted into about 46,000 square feet of space for retail and dining. Switchman Hall is a food hall on site with 18 concepts. Terminal South is located about 2 miles south of downtown Atlanta in the Peoplestown neighborhood and will include a station on a planned bus rapid transit line.
What the judges said: “Where typical retail developments favor national brands with good credit ratings, this project gives a rare opportunity to more ‘mom and pop’ operators,” said Neil Matthee, research manager for Southeast research at Newmark.
They made it happen: A large team worked on the project for developer Stafford Properties, including Melissa Ahrendt, executive director of real estate; Vanessa Rivera, property manager; Blake McRae, director of construction; Meghan McNearney, director of marketing; Chad Tullos, chief investment officer and Frank Jones Jr., president and CEO. Tim Nichols and Michael Colanero at NO Architecture were the architects. Kate Tiplett, vice president at Kimley-Horn, was project engineer. David Mead, partner at Gunter Mead Construction, represented his company.