Decatur Project Called ‘Transformative’ Set to Officially Break Ground

Why It Matters

The project expands grocery access and job opportunities in South DeKalb while demonstrating a low‑risk, tax‑increment financing model that other jurisdictions can replicate.

Key Takeaways

• $28.9M Candler Crossing redevelopment on 7.2 acres.
• Publix high‑end grocery anchors the mixed‑use retail hub.
• Project creates 100+ construction and 183 permanent jobs.
• Includes 2,000 sq ft affordable retail at 60% market rent.
• Funded by $3.82M TAD grant, reimbursed via tax increments.

Pulse Analysis

Candler Crossing is a 7.2‑acre, $28.9 million mixed‑use project breaking ground in Decatur’s Candler‑McAfee neighborhood. The development centers on a 50,325‑square‑foot Publix supermarket, positioned just a mile and a half from an existing store on Glenwood Road, and an 11,200‑square‑foot multi‑tenant building. By adding a high‑end grocery option, the hub aims to close a longstanding food‑access gap for South DeKalb residents while creating a new commercial anchor for the Candler Road corridor.

Funding comes from a $3.82 million Tax Allocation District (TAD) grant that operates on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis. Under this structure, developers receive reimbursements only after the project generates incremental tax revenue, shielding taxpayers from upfront exposure. The TAD model has become a preferred tool for municipalities seeking to stimulate private investment without compromising fiscal stability, and Candler Crossing showcases its practical application in a suburban Atlanta context.

The project promises more than 100 construction jobs and an estimated 183 permanent positions once fully operational. It also dedicates 2,000 square feet of affordable retail space at 60 percent of market rent, providing a launchpad for local entrepreneurs. Complementary amenities—a walking trail, hardscape plaza, upgraded pedestrian pathways, and a renovated MARTA bus stop—are designed to serve the community for generations, with the first tenants slated to open in October 2025.