Gardenside at the Villages of East Lake is a residential community designed to support everyday life, connection, and well-being. Developed in partnership with Purpose Built Communities, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating greater racial equity, economic mobility, and improved health outcomes for families and children in low-income communities. A mix of homes is paired with shared amenities and community spaces that encourage interaction, learning, and healthy living. As part of the mixed-income East Lake neighborhood, Gardenside represents a community-centered approach that has informed similar efforts nationwide.
Gardenside at Villages of East Lake
Project Details:
Client:
Columbia Residential
Location:
Atlanta, GA
Project Data:
- 108 units
- 5.2 acres
- 20.78 units per acre
Challenge
Gardenside at the Villages of East Lake required a high-quality, service-rich housing environment that remained financially accessible to families in a historically disinvested community. The challenge was to achieve mixed-income housing and long-term affordability through LIHTC financing while advancing Purpose Built Communities’ goals of equity, health, and economic mobility.
Solution
Developed using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Gardenside delivers a mix of affordable and market-rate townhomes, villas, and garden apartments in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. Planned in partnership with Purpose Built Communities, the development integrates shared amenities–including a wellness center, gym, computer lab, playground, community garden, and clubhouse–that support resident engagement, health programming, and everyday connection.
Impact
Gardenside strengthens family stability, fosters community connections, and advances equitable, mixed-income living within the East Lake neighborhood. Its success has helped reinforce the Purpose Built Communities model, informing similar community-centered developments nationwide.
