MARTA seeks developer for proposed King Memorial Station project

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has released a request for qualifications (RFQ) to find a master development partner that would help create a new transit-oriented development (TOD) at King Memorial Station in downtown Atlanta.

After receiving responses to the RFQ, MARTA will invite a few companies that meet the criteria to submit formal bids on the project as part of a future request for proposals, agency officials said in a press release issued earlier this week.

MARTA chose King Memorial Station as the first of five TODs proposed to begin within the next two years. Agency officials intend to focus on TOD as part of a long-term strategy to transform MARTA by generating new revenue, building economically viable communities next to its rail stations and fostering additional ridership.

"We are excited about the prospect of executing innovative business strategies that make MARTA more financial sustainable while also providing benefits to our customers and to the Atlanta region," said General Manager Keith Parker.

The four-acre site at King Memorial Station is an "ideal" location for a TOD because the area is zoned for medium- to high-density development compatible with residential, education, commercial and cultural uses, MARTA officials said.

For more information about MARTA's and other transit agencies' efforts to develop TOD strategies, read this cover story in Progressive Railroading's July issue.