A $150 million private redevelopment along North Druid Hills Road will replace aging office and hotel buildings with a campus anchored by a luxury Nalley BMW dealership, Brookhaven officials confirmed in a civic alert published Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The city approved the project in April through a development agreement between the Brookhaven Development Authority and Nalley Automotive, a subsidiary of Fortune 500 company Asbury Automotive Group. The deal also delivers $8 million in Peachtree Creek Greenway improvements and easements needed for a future pedestrian bridge over Interstate 85.
The developer is contractually required to invest at least $150 million in acquiring and redeveloping the site. The plan reserves roughly 3.8 acres for a future upscale hotel that the city and development authority will market in coming years.
Mayor John Park said the project replaces properties that have "outlived their usefulness" with development that will generate jobs and strengthen the city's tax base. The site sits in District 4, represented by Mayor Pro Tempore John Funny, who called the project "a turning point for the Buford Highway corridor" that brings "real opportunity for the people who already call it home."
Greenway and I-85 bridge
The $8 million greenway commitment will fund trail expansion, connectivity improvements and related infrastructure along the Peachtree Creek Greenway corridor.
Asbury Automotive Group also donated the western landing easements for a planned 14-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle bridge spanning I-85 between the greenway and Emory University's Executive Park campus. As we reported Aug. 4, the bridge has secured its full funding plan. Emory University contributed $15.8 million over 10 years and donated the eastern landing easements in 2019. The Decide DeKalb Development Authority approved a $588,168 Urban Renewal Fund grant for design work. No residential property taxes will fund the bridge.
Final bridge design is expected in late 2027, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028 and completion targeted for 2029.
What's ahead
"This location offers exceptional visibility, access, and connectivity within one of metro Atlanta's most dynamic corridors," Daniel Clara, Asbury Automotive Group's chief operating officer, said. "Our investment reflects our commitment to delivering a best-in-class automotive experience, consistent with the BMW and Nalley Automotive name."
The city's announcement does not specify a construction start date for the dealership campus or a projected job count. Brookhaven intends to return to the Decide DeKalb board in late 2027 to request an additional $5.35 million in tax allocation district funds for bridge construction costs.
