Developers Take Leap Forward in Sandy Springs
Goldberg and Unell team up for luxury condo project.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Two retired developers decided to fill a multi-family residential market void in popular downtown Sandy Springs. They are Gary Unell, a retired residential developer and builder of high-end homes in the Sandy Springs area for 40 years, and Eddie Goldberg, a retired former banker and developer of communities in Sandy Springs and Charleston, S.C. They have teamed up for a special project that will set a new standard in downtown Sandy Springs.
Goldberg noted, “I have been consulting and brainstorming with Gary for about 10 years to develop a luxury condo in downtown Sandy Springs. Finally, this past fall, the idea crystallized and property near the intersection of Cliftwood Drive and Sandy Springs Circle (just south of The Springs Cinema & Taphouse) was put under contract, and we sprang into action.”
Unell and Goldberg hired local architect Brooks Hall, who has a small firm specializing in and working with developers in the Atlanta area. Previously Hall was with Smallwood, Reynolds, a large firm, where he was chief designer for Asian projects.
Unell said, “We wanted the building to be a steel and concrete structure with a brick exterior versus wood framing, which allows structurally vibration and lower quality sound control.” The building is envisioned for residents who want an urban feel, but don’t want to move to Buckhead, Midtown or downtown Atlanta. “The sizes of units will vary from about 2,200 square feet up to 3,400 square feet. In addition, each unit will include a covered porch with an optional fireplace, optional grill and vent hood. The porches will average about 275 square feet with expansive glass doors between the porch and the interior area.”
Units this size are new for downtown Sandy Springs and are rare in the condo market without combining smaller units. Unell and Goldberg said they intended to satisfy the needs of people like themselves who have grown tired of maintaining large houses and are ready to simplify their lives. The building’s floor plans will rival those of ultra-luxury units located in other metro Atlanta neighborhoods, but the developers believe they can complete their project at prices below those in Buckhead, with all the benefits of living in Sandy Springs. They point out the rapidly increasing number of independent shops and boutiques, highly-rated restaurants within walking distance of their location, and a range of grocery shopping options including Whole Foods, a movie theater, Kroger, Marshalls, even Dollar Tree within a block, and the Sandy Springs Farmer’s Market, and the entire City Springs municipal and arts complex nearby. The site also provides easy access to I-285, Ga. 400, area malls, Northside, Emory Saint Joseph’s, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospitals, the Sandy Springs library, at least three synagogues, and office space in Sandy Springs and the Perimeter area.
The project, as of this writing, is in the zoning process. Due to the consequences of coronavirus social distancing, zoning meetings have been postponed. Goldberg said, “Hopefully very soon we will have the full support of the town of Sandy Springs. We have already received over 10 reservations. Appropriate and sophisticated names are under consideration.” Soon, the hard work will begin for Goldberg and Unell, who hope to introduce the building to the public by mid-2021, with availability for occupancy in the spring of 2022.
Features are to include concierge services, an exercise facility, a simulated golf room, a plunge pool and a community room, covered owner and guest parking. Units will start in the $900s. Plans call for a total of 30 units with six units on each of the five floors of flats. Two additional floors would be for amenities and parking. Potentially the penthouse level will have an elevated ceiling height. Public space will be included on the concierge level. There will be ample room for bridge, mahjong, and trivia games, private family gatherings and socializing.
Feeling confident that they can build the right building at the right time, both developers are currently planning to be residents of their new project. Just imagine walking to the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival!
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