Cocke Finkelstein to Debut New Brand with JV Development in Atlanta

By Joshua Ayers, Senior Editor

Atlanta—Cocke Finkelstein Inc. (CFI) has announced that it has kicked off construction on a 283-unit, Class A, mixed-use multifamily community in the greater Atlanta area that will serve as the launching point for the company’s new apartment brand, The Olmsted. The new brand aims to bring a design-focused approach to apartment living in CFI’s multi-state portfolio, which spans across 18 states nationwide.

“We are creating a national brand with a local feel,” says Brett Oliver, director of development for CFI. “Olmsted will truly be unconventional and each property will have an authentic personality and soul. This is something seen in chef-driven restaurants and boutique hotels but not in multifamily. Olmsted will change that by offering a completely unique environment, down to a clubroom that residents will actually want to use.”

The Olmsted branding drew inspiration from architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who is best known for his work as the designer of New York City’s Central Park and had a strong design influence on Atlanta’s Druid Hills, Grand Park at Piedmont Park.

“Olmsted was one of the greatest placemakers to ever live and each of our properties will be designed in the same spirit, aimed at evoking an emotional, human connection as people engage with the spaces we create,” Oliver says. “We are bringing some funky elements that will make people turn their heads, make them smile and just relax.”

The company’s inaugural development, The Olmsted Chamblee, will be located in the City of Chamblee, which is part of the North Atlanta metro, and is the first multifamily project to be approved in the city in more than 10 years. The community, which broke ground on Nov. 12, is a joint venture project between CFI, Chicago-based Origin Capital Partners and Macauley + Schmit.

Once completed, the Niles Bolton Associates-designed community will include four buildings that encircle a “Village Center,” and will feature 11,000 square feet of retail space with two restaurants and large outdoor patios, in addition to a leasing center complete with co-working space.

“The Olmsted Chamblee is a model mixed-use, transit oriented development and a landmark gateway to historic Downtown Chamblee,” says Stephen Macauley, principal at Macauley + Schmit. “From a planning and design perspective, The Olmsted Chamblee will set the standard for future development in Chamblee and provide an iconic element for the city.”

One particular iconic element includes a “Chamblee” sign that is planned to rise above the community on along Peachtree Boulevard. That stretch of Peachtree Boulevard will include the property’s two-story live/work units and signage for business owners. Other residential elements will include a row of three-bedroom, 3.5-bathrrom for-rent townhouses.

Amenities will include a courtyard with a pool serving as a focal point, as well as indoor bike racks, an indoor bocce ball court, and a “DIY” room for creative projects. The interiors will also include vintage local photography.

The Olmsted Chamblee, will function as a live-work community that offers residents convenient access to public transportation and major employers in the area, including the Centers for disease Control, State Farm. Residents can capitalize on rail service via the Chamblee MARTA station located adjacent the development.

“We are excited to invest in a project of this significance for the community with a great team of local partners,” says David Welk, director of acquisitions in the Southeast for Origin Capital.