Atlanta Housing (AH) has announced the release of its Bankhead Reimagined Request for Ideas (RFI), aiming to gather innovative proposals from community members, philanthropic and non-profit organizations, and commercial entities for the redevelopment of the 35-acre former Bankhead Courts public housing site in Northwest Atlanta. This initiative seeks to ensure broad community engagement and inclusion in the redevelopment process, using the ideas submitted to shape the future of the site and guide the selection of a development partner.
Terri M. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta Housing, emphasized the importance of community input in this endeavor. "At Atlanta Housing, we believe that true change comes from empowering the voices of our residents and the surrounding community. The Bankhead Reimagined RFI reflects our commitment to greater transparency and engagement as we move forward to determine the best use of the former Bankhead Courts site," she stated. Lee highlighted that this call for ideas is a crucial step in creating a vibrant future for Bankhead and the Donald Lee Hollowell corridor.
Bankhead Courts, originally spanning 45 acres, was developed between 1968 and 1970. The site housed 500 public housing units in townhouse-style buildings, similar to the contemporary developments of Hollywood Courts and Englewood Manor. Designed by local architects as a HUD development, Bankhead Courts was divided by Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, a significant commercial corridor. In 2011, the site was cleared and demolished, and the northern portion has since been allocated to Atlanta Public Schools for a bus maintenance facility, currently under construction. The RFI pertains to the remaining 35-acre portion south of Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.
Larry Stewart, Chairman of the Atlanta Housing Board of Commissioners, expressed enthusiasm for the RFI’s potential to foster innovative solutions. "The Bankhead Reimagined RFI will allow us to explore creative solutions for how new development can contribute to our mission of benefitting Atlanta's families and its neighborhoods' health and vitality," Stewart remarked. He looks forward to evaluating options that support the creation of a dynamic, inclusive vision for a revitalized Westside.
AH will evaluate ideas based on feasibility, potential to catalyze Westside revitalization, and alignment with the agency's mission of providing affordable, high-quality housing. The proposals should also support the transition of low-income families to self-sufficiency by offering educational, health, social, and economic opportunities. Respondents are encouraged to submit detailed concepts, visualizations, business models, and other relevant information.
Terri M. Lee, leading The Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, Georgia (AH), oversees the largest housing authority in Georgia and one of the largest in the nation. As one of the 139 Moving to Work (MTW) public housing authorities in America, AH is at the forefront of providing affordable housing resources to nearly 27,000 low-income households, encompassing approximately 45,000 people. AH’s portfolio includes AH-owned residential communities, tenant-based vouchers, supportive housing, and down payment assistance programs, all funded and regulated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The RFI is a key component of AH's strategy to involve the community in shaping the future of the former Bankhead Courts site. By soliciting ideas from a diverse group of stakeholders, AH aims to create a redevelopment plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. This approach underscores AH's commitment to transparency, engagement, and inclusivity.
The Bankhead Reimagined initiative is part of a broader effort by AH to revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life for residents. By focusing on the redevelopment of the Bankhead Courts site, AH seeks to create a model for how public housing sites can be transformed into vibrant, inclusive communities. The input gathered through the RFI will be instrumental in shaping the future of the site and ensuring that the redevelopment meets the needs of the community.
In addition to providing affordable housing, AH is committed to supporting the economic and social mobility of its residents. The redevelopment of the Bankhead Courts site presents an opportunity to integrate services and amenities that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the overall well-being of residents. By incorporating educational, health, social, and economic opportunities into the redevelopment plan, AH aims to create a community that supports the holistic development of its residents.
The Bankhead Reimagined RFI also reflects AH’s commitment to innovation. By soliciting ideas from a wide range of stakeholders, AH hopes to uncover creative and forward-thinking solutions for the redevelopment of the site. This inclusive approach ensures that the redevelopment plan benefits from diverse perspectives and ideas.
AH’s proactive approach to community engagement is evident in its efforts to involve residents and stakeholders in the redevelopment process. By providing a platform for community input, AH ensures that the redevelopment plan is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the community. This approach not only enhances the quality of the redevelopment plan but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents.
As the process moves forward, AH will continue to engage with the community and stakeholders to refine the redevelopment plan. The ideas and feedback gathered through the RFI will be critical in shaping the future of the Bankhead Courts site. Through this collaborative process, AH aims to create a vibrant, inclusive community that enhances the quality of life for all residents.