Mixed-Use Project To Bring Brownstones, Healthy Living Retail to S. DeKalb

A new mixed-use development, complete with brownstones, is in the works near unincorporated Stone Mountain -- a $5 million project that its visionaries hope will bring “luxability” to families even in trying economic times and more closer-to-home retail options for South DeKalb residents.

Mixed-use developments at places such as Atlantic Station, in the Permeter and Lenox Mall “in their planing, they know residents of South DeKalb are going to come dine and spend money,” said Vaughn Irons, chief executive officer of neighborhood revitalization firm APD Solutions, which recently hosted a dedication ceremony for Panola Slope. “We’re giving people an opportunity to have a high level of services right in their own back yard.”

The site, at 5600 Covington Highway, is slated to begin construction in January and end in the spring. It will include 23 brownstones -- from 2,700 square feet to 3,600 square feet -- priced between $189,000 and $224,000. Some of the amenities are 10-foot ceilings and crown moulding.

Irons said APD is working with DeKalb County government, the state Department of Community Affairs and its own in-house financing to offer families up to $25,000 in down payment assistance.

“If you’re a purchaser, with your features and upgrades, you could be acquiring one of those units for as low as $165,000 or $199,000 if you’re on the high end,” Irons said.

APD wants to “make sure families have the ability to afford luxury,” or “luxability," Irons said.

Job loss coverage is also available as part of the financing package, Irons said. If someone purchases a unit and is working with an approved lender, he or she has the option of getting job loss coverage for up to six months of mortgage payments, topping out at $1,800 a month.  

Panola Slope will have 7-15 retail parcels, bringing in a day spa, health food grocery store, and a healthy hair salon that uses filtered water and phosphate-free products.

Panola Slope's future businesses are “geared toward extending the life and health of the residents,” Irons said.

One retailer has committed to setting up shop: Puttguttz Specialty Bakery recruited from Savannah. The bakery will provide high-end pastries as well as sandwiches, soups and salads and “diabetic-friendly desserts,” Irons said said.

“We didn’t want to just find a business that would be great, then in a year and a hald close their doors because the newness has worn off,” Irons said. “We wanted to be able to bring something that would be a destination in DeKalb.”

There will also be a bar/lounge concept that will feature fruit-based drinks, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, Irons said.

During last month's dedication ceremony, attended by DeKalb Commissioners Stan Watson and Lee May, a time capsule was planted to commemorate the date and time -- November 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. am. The capsule, which will be opened in 2022, had eleven items such as a local newspaper, photos and a letter from Irons to future residents, the company said in a press release.

Irons said if anyone is interested in getting on the waiting list for a brownstone and/or wants the opportunity to view them during the construction phase, call: 404-935-9111.