Willow Branch Apartments: A Brownfields Redevelopment Success in Clarkston

The Willow Branch Apartments project exemplifies how strategic redevelopment and environmental stewardship can strengthen communities. Located at 822 North Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston, Georgia, the 13.7-acre property includes 186 multifamily units built in 1971. The Housing Authority of DeKalb County (HADC) plans to acquire and renovate the complex, preserving it as affordable housing for families earning up to 55% of the area median income. Supported by a 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the project also partners with Star-C to provide residents with wrap-around services that enhance stability, education, and overall quality of life.

To ensure safe redevelopment, HADC has applied for funding through Decide DeKalb’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) Program, which offers financing for up to 80% of eligible remediation costs. A Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) will oversee all abatement activities in compliance with EPA standards. Environmental assessments identified asbestos-containing materials on-site, which will be safely removed or remediated. Through the BRLF program, Decide DeKalb is helping transform Willow Branch into a safe, sustainable, and affordable housing community, preserving both property value and opportunity for DeKalb residents.