Politics & Government

Roswell Moves Forward on Luxury Frazier Street Apartment Complex

The project's working title is "Canton Street City Walk."

Prepare to see bulldozers and other construction equipment near Roswell's historic district soon - the Roswell City Council approved the conditional use of a new high-end apartment complex where Frazier Street Apartments currently reside.

Lennar Multi-Family Investors' proposal, approved under the Groveway Community Hybrid Form-Based Code on Monday, May 13, will raze and rebuild the current apartment complex. The transformation will turn the current 10.6 acre, 152-unit property into a luxury development with 320 "stacked flats."

Councilman Kent Igleheart, concerned about the density of the project, doesn't believe the project meets the overall goal for the Groveway Community.

Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Still, he told developers, "Good luck, because I do hope it's successful and all the things work out as you say."

And, although Councilwoman Nancy Diamond believes the city needs to have some serious conversations about affordable housing in the future, she thinks there is a market for this project.

Find out what's happening in Roswellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ten conditions were required with the approval; among them:

  • Screened-in mechanical/HVAC equipment,
  • Screened-in dumpsters,
  • Existing powerlines to be buried,
  • Construction of a 50-foot eastbound left turn lane, with a 50-foot taper on Norcross Street to turn into the property,
  • Construction of a 50-foot westbound left turn lane, with a 50-foot taper on Norcross Street to turn onto Myrtle Street,
  • Replacement of existing concrete sidewalks with red brick pavers or stamped concrete along the frontages of Frazier and Norcross streets,
  • Outside architectural review will also be utilized.

The approval included a variance for 422 parking spaces, instead of 512 that would be traditionally required under regular zoning.

Mayor Jere Wood thinks the project's impact will be incredible.

"This creates that walkable community we've wanted," said Wood. "I'm excited about this project."

Roswell Business Alliance Executive Director Steve Stroud agreed.

"We need to support this; this is a catalyst project," he said.

Stroud pointed to new jobs that have come into the city as a major reason why the proposal was perfect for the area.

"It's this type of project, this apartment project, that's what is going to keep the momentum going, it's what's going to keep this city up to date," said Ralph Mills, owner of several properties in Roswell's historic district.

The tentatively titled Canton Street City Walk, the project, championed by some, has not been without its detractors. Stanley Kopkin wrote a letter of opposition to the city questioning the vision of building rental units, versus purchasable condos. But in a community meeting during March, developers said the market is currently hungry for apartments. However, if that should change, they'll consider the conversion of some units into condos.

Developers told council they will meet with current residents to give them a very clear timeline for when work on the property is set to begin, as well as assist in resident relocation.

See also:

Future of Frazier Street: Luxury Apartments Coming?

What Will Happen to Frazier Street Tenants?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here