The corner lot at Second Avenue and Tilson Road has a history of serving Decatur. For many years it was home to the community’s YMCA; more recently, its building was a place of worship.
Now, after years of planning the site will once again deliver for the community. On Saturday morning partners gathered to break ground on Solace Grove – a new development of much needed affordable homes.
Made possible through the partnership of the Gresham Park CDC/First Baptist Church Gresham Road, national affordable housing developer Vecino Group, Housing Authority of DeKalb County and health care and wellbeing partner United Health Group, the development will deliver 125 brand new affordable housing units for seniors. The development received financing from the DeKalb County Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, the National Affordable Housing Trust, Sugar Creek Capital, the Low Income Investment Fund, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Pastor Norman Thomas Jr. shared his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Vecino to meet the growing need for senior housing in our area. This project underscores our commitment to serving our community and honoring our seniors, who have given so much to us.” The new community will feature a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing residents’ quality of life, including recreational spaces and wellness programs.
DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, spoke of the importance of partnership within the community. “The collaboration between the public and private interests has proven key to solving our housing challenges,” said Thurmond. “Often the financial burden of a home is exacerbated for our Seniors. I commend the Gresham Park CDC and the work of their team that created Solace Grove and serve these very members of our community.
Located at 2318 Second Avenue, the redevelopment will deliver a three-story main building containing 89 apartments, a community room, fitness area, computer room and arts and crafts space. Complementing this will be 6 single-story triplexes, each containing 6 units. All 125 units within Solace Grove will be a mix of 1- and 2-Bed affordable housing units serving seniors (62 and over) who are at or below 60% of the area median income. In addition, Solace Grove is truly inclusive with units designed for individuals with mobility and sensory impairments.
To complete the neighborhood, plans include raised bed gardens, walking paths and ample greenspace.
The 5.3 acre site being redeveloped has been owned by the First Baptist Church Gresham Road for several years. The Church had the vision to create housing that served the Decatur community in more than just “living”, but that might offer classes, exercise and mentoring. Partnering with the Vecino Group helped to make this possible
“Impactful developments such as this require a lot planning and several key elements—the most vital being the right collaborators,” said Wesley Brown, Vecino Group Director of Development. “Without the vision and tenacity of our partners at First Baptist—as well as the continued partnership of United Health Group—Solace Grove wouldn’t have been possible.
“UnitedHealth Group is honored to support the Solace Grove housing development, investing in affordable housing for seniors,” said Anna Helmrath, vice president of Medicare strategy in Georgia for UnitedHealthcare, the health benefits business of UnitedHealth Group. “Access to affordable, stable housing can positively impact a person’s overall health and wellbeing. This is an opportunity to not only invest dollars, but to also invest in the overall health and wellbeing of residents to help them live healthier lives.”
The Solace Grove team: Lead Development provided by Vecino Group, Architecture and Design performed by Vecino Design, Civil Engineering by RASK Engineering, and HJ Russell Construction will be General Contractor. The development is a joint ownership of Gresham Park CDC and Vecino Group.
The $37 million Solace Grove development was made possible through tax credit support from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the leadership of the Dekalb County officials.
Construction will begin immediately, with Solace Grove set for completion by Fall 2025.
