A new student housing tower will soar 380 feet in the air next to The Varsity and will include shops and restaurants along Spring Street.Redevelopment plans now emerge for part of The Varsity’s property in Midtown, which developers have described as “the last great parcel” available near the intersection of North Avenue and the downtown Connector.
Officials with Athens-based Landmark Properties confirm they will build their fourth student-housing project in downtown and Midtown on 2 acres directly north of The Varsity’s historic original location, where surface parking currently exists.
Landmark Properties’ affiliate filed plans with the state on Nov. 6 for the 560-unit project in Midtown, including 8,100 square feet of retail space.
John Browne expressed pride, in The Varsity’s standing service to customers on North Avenue since 1928. Conveyed anticipation for many more years of operation ahead, as the restaurants chief operating officer.
The Gordy family has operated The Varsity – world-renowned for its hot dogs, onion rings and Frosted Orange drink – since 1928.
Landmark aims to complete construction in June 2028, according to the DRI.
Read also: New student housing construction at UCSD, California, is underway
The New Student Housing Tower Near The Varsity: Bed Capacity
The tower will include 2,000 beds with units ranging from studios to six-bedroom configurations, according to plans filed with the City of Atlanta. These plans show additional renderings of how the project will look from the interstate and the street.
John Browne the operating officer, at The Varsity Inc. mentioned that the Gordy family plans to sell some land next to The Varsity’s parking deck to Landmark soon. This piece of land is situated between the Connector in the west and Spring Street in the east. Currently comprises lots leased by The Varsity to parking companies. Adjacent to this area is the diner that has been serving dogs and frosted oranges along with its classic “What’ll ya have?” catchphrase, for almost a hundred years.
“Landmark’s proposed development will not impact The Varsity’s daily operations,” Browne stated to Urbanize. “The Varsity has proudly served our loyal customers on North Avenue since 1928, and we look forward to continuing for many years to come.”
Who will be the Architects?
CNNA Architects Inc. will design the tower, according to the plans.
This project will mark Landmark’s fourth in Midtown and Downtown, bringing their intown portfolio to more than 4,000 beds.
As of October, Midtown’s student housing pipeline included about 1,200 beds, according to a Midtown Alliance report.
Read also: UC Merced and Merced College team up to build joint $100M Student housing complex
Student Housing Development Near The Varsity – Project Factsheet
Location
Site: 2 acres north of The Varsity’s original location
Current Use: Surface parking lots leased to parking providers
Boundaries: Connector (west), Spring Street (east)
Notable: Described as “the last great parcel” available near North Avenue/Connector intersection
Development Specifications
Height: 380 feet
Units: 560
Beds: 2,000
Unit Types: Studios to six-bedroom configurations
Retail Space: 8,100 square feet
Architect: CNNA Architects Inc.
Plans for New Student Housing Near The Varsity: Timeline
State Filing Date: November 6 2024
Planned Completion: June 2028
Property Details
Current Owner: Gordy family
Developer
Company: Landmark Properties
Based in: Athens
Atlanta Portfolio: Fourth project in Midtown and Downtown
Total Portfolio after Completion: Over 4,000 beds in intown area
Read also: The Bancroft-Fulton Student Housing: UC Berkeley’s Largest Dorm on Campus Yet
