31-acre ‘village’ of affordable housing announced south of downtown

Just southeast of downtown, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is expanding its role in real estate with a new community meant to help qualified working families become intown homeowners.

One of the largest affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International, Atlanta Habitat recently announced its $15.5 million Commitment to Community Capital Campaign to develop Browns Mill Village, an affordable homeownership community located in Orchard Knob east of Interstate 75.

Situated on more than 30 acres, the enclave will feature three- or four-bedroom, single-story homes as well as two-story, four-bedroom homes.

Prices will be around $150,000 for a single-story unit and $170,000 for two-story options.

All mortgages will be zero-interest and include property taxes, insurance, and a home maintenance fund. Applicants are limited to first-time homeowners.

As with all Habitat homes, homebuyers are expected to help build their homes in conjunction with volunteers and corporate, civic, and faith-community sponsors to help offset construction costs.

Future home design options may be available as the development progresses, officials announced last week. Upon completion, the community is expected to have more than 100 homes.

In addition to the housing units, plans for Browns Mill Village include green space, a pavilion, a community garden, recreation areas, and wraparound services for homeowners.

Project leaders said Browns Mill Village construction is slated to begin in fall 2020 and will extend over the next three to five years.

Although it’s the largest segment, the community will be just one part of Atlanta Habitat’s $15.5 million campaign. Efforts will also entail the organization’s expansion into South Fulton, land purchases to build or renovate homes for families, and “Repair with Kindness,” a program for seniors and military veterans.

Currently, Atlanta Habitat has raised $13.8 million toward its $15.5 million goal.

Those funds were contributed by numerous individuals and donors from Atlanta’s philanthropic and corporate communities, including foundations associated with Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power, Home Depot, and others.

Atlanta Habitat is inviting the public to donate to help raise the remaining $2 million.