MARTA taps firms for transit-oriented development plans

Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) board last week selected transit-oriented development (TOD) partners for its Brookhaven/Oglethorpe and Chamblee rail stations.

For the former station, MARTA will now enter negotiations with Brookhaven City Center Partners, a joint venture between Integral Group LLC and Transwestern Development Co. The companies have proposed a three-phase, mixed-use master plan that includes 330 apartments, 25,200 square feet of retail space and 117,600 square feet of offices, MARTA officials said in a press release.

Future phases could include senior housing units, civic spaces and a hotel.

For TOD at the Chamblee station, MARTA will work with Trackside Partners, a joint venture between Pattillo Industrial Real Estate and Parkside Partners LLC.

The first phase would include 13,000 square feet of retail space and 38,000 square feet of offices. A "pocket park" is also planned for the community, MARTA officials said.

"Our TOD partners have significant industry expertise and are committed to developing high-quality projects that enhance these communities," said MARTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Keith Parker.

Groundbreaking at the Chamblee development is scheduled for summer 2016, while initial construction near the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station is slated to begin in summer 2017.