Category: Affordable and Workforce Housing

Nestled in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood and Martin Luther King historic district, the Edgewood Center has been providing permanent affordable supportive housing for nearly 40 years. With this project, Edgewood Center now offers 50 units of supportive housing for people living with HIV/AIDS. The Center includes individual micro-units with private bathrooms and kitchens, shared living spaces, in-house clinic, bike storage, fitness, and community spaces all located around a daylit atrium space that shows off the building structure.

Edgewood Center is comprised of two adjacent historic buildings connected through amenity spaces and shared circulation. The historic buildings at 183 and 187 Edgewood Avenue were constructed by the Coca Cola Company between 1898 and 1904 as a headquarters, bottling facility and chewing gum manufacturing floor. In the 1950’s the roof at 183 Edgewood collapsed and the two upper levels were demolished. To accommodate Edgewood Center’s goals for expansion and to provide additional capacity, the project team conceived of reconstructing these upper two floors and stitching the two buildings back together.

The historic rehabilitation preserved existing character and the design for the new construction captured the spirit of the district utilizing heavy timber and masonry, controlling volume, proportions and rhythm. The project was awarded state and federal approval for Historic Tax Credits in support of the quality of design.

This project prepares the historic building for its next century of life creating a win for affordable housing production, a win for the historic district and a win for historic preservation.

The Melody exemplifies the transformative power of community, collaboration, and compassion as Atlanta’s first “”Rapid Housing”” initiative. Situated in South Downtown near the Garnett MARTA station and the newly constructed Greyhound Station, this innovative project repurposes a former parking lot into a thriving community of 40 micro-units, with 32 ADA-compliant units, all crafted from repurposed shipping containers. Completed in just four months, The Melody is strategically located to ensure residents have access to public transportation and essential services.

Each unit is thoughtfully designed with a bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette, offering residents more than just shelter—a stable foundation for rebuilding their lives. The community includes amenities like a communal garden, dog park, and shared gathering spaces. A community building houses additional amenities such as a kitchenette, offices, and laundry facilities, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

The Melody represents a holistic approach to addressing homelessness, going beyond traditional housing models by creating opportunities for connection, stability, and reintegration into society. It stands as a model for future affordable housing projects, showcasing the power of public-private partnerships and innovative construction methods in providing equitable housing opportunities.

Named in honor of a woman who tragically passed away from an overdose near the site, The Melody serves as a poignant reminder that housing can be life-saving, reinforcing Atlanta’s commitment to addressing homelessness with dignity and compassion.