First look: Beltline Eastside Trail’s ‘Edge’ has broken ground

Construction launched this week on a multifaceted, Beltline-straddling project that officials say will be within financial reach of most Atlantans seeking multifamily living arrangements.

Meet: “Edge.”

The $80-million venture by North American Properties, leaders say, will “transform an environmentally contaminated site into a vibrant gathering place that will enhance the trail’s safety and artful energy.”

The developer—also behind Avalon and Colony Square’s pending redo—is partnering with the Atlanta Beltline and The Conservation Fund Partner to make Edge happen.

What to expect: 29,000 square feet of “experiential retail,” indoor/outdoor dining, and loft offices on both sides of the Beltline’s Eastside Trail at DeKalb Avenue—with a pedestrian bridge to connect it all.

NAP officials said 30 percent of the planned 350 residential units (whether apartments or condos wasn’t specified) will be designated “affordable workforce housing” for the portion of the larger property developers had bought from the Beltline.

The retail and residential facets of Edge will open in spring of 2019, developers predicted.

Paul Morris, Beltline President and CEO, attend this week’s groundbreaking and said the partnership initiative will be “the first redevelopment project on the Atlanta BeltLine where activation is occurring on three corridors: the Atlanta Beltline, DeKalb Avenue, and Edgewood Avenue ... it represents the vision of building an Atlanta Beltline that everyone can call home.”

• 22 photos: Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail extension right now [Curbed]