The vacant corner lot at Decatur’s Second Avenue and Tilson Road is set to become Solace Grove, a new affordable housing development for seniors.
Last week, community leaders and partners gathered to break ground on the project, which is anticipated to provide 125 affordable housing units for residents that are 62 years of age and older.
The project is being developed as part of a collaboration between the Housing Authority of DeKalb County, United Health Group, affordable housing developer Vecino Group, along with the Gresham Park CDC/First Baptist Church Gresham Road.
Having owned the 5.3 acre site for years, the First Baptist Church Gresham Road said it had a vision “to create housing that served the Decatur community in more than just ‘living’,” which is something the church was finally able to make a reality through its partnership with the Vecino Group.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Vecino to meet the growing need for senior housing in our area,” said Norman Thomas Jr., pastor with the First Baptist Church. “This project underscores our commitment to serving our community and honoring our seniors, who have given so much to us.”
Located at 2318 Second Avenue, the Solace Grove property will include a main three-story building with a total of 89 apartments, in addition to six single-story triplexes. All of the units will feature one-to-two bedrooms in them.
Additionally, the development will also include a number of on-site amenities — including community spaces, fitness areas, and wellness programs — along with accessible units for individuals with mobility and sensory impairments.
Construction on the $37 million project — financed through tax credits and local support — is now underway and is expected to be completed by Fall 2025.
