Resident-First Revitalization in a Rapidly Gentrifying Atlanta Neighborhood: Lessons in Creating Economic Groundcover at 918 Dill Ave 

In a neighborhood facing rapid gentrification, how do you advance revitalization projects without harming or displacing legacy residents? And how do you maintain affordability? Atlanta-based BIPOC worker-owned cooperative The Guild tackles these questions with a pilot community-owned project.   

918 Dill Ave is currently a vacant 7000+ square foot commercial building in Atlanta’s historic Capitol View neighborhood. Located in southwest Atlanta and developed in the early 20th century, Capitol View was primarily home to working class residents. The neighborhood has undergone revitalization in recent years due to its historic housing stock and proximity to the Atlanta Beltline. The Guild partnered with Capitol View residents trying to “buy back the block,” community-based organizations, small business owners and other key stakeholders to redevelop the building into a mixed-use property with affordable housing units. The project aims to build wealth, increase asset ownership, anchor jobs locally, and ensure local economic resilience. 

Watch this webinar to: 

• Learn how The Guild’s innovative Community Stewardship Trust and Groundcover Initiative organize with community residents 
• Explore the balance between creating permanent affordability and transferring financial benefits from redevelopment to local residents 

• Understand how community engagement strengthens local redevelopment solutions 

Speakers: 

• Odetta MacLeish-White, Director, Georgia Initiatives, Center for Community Progress 
• Zach Murray, Organizing and Movement Building Director, The Guild