As the economy begins to rebound, market analysis commissioned by Four A International shows that the timing is right to create a new place, with new choices that meet the needs of current and future residents and employers. “Our market research has shown us that the type of community we envision is in high demand and low supply in Conyers, Rockdale County, and east metro Atlanta,” noted Director of Development, David Roper.

With Baxter’s expansive new plant being built near Covington, along with continued business expansion from a variety of industries, towns and cities east of Atlanta are poised for economic growth. Four A sees a rare opportunity to plan for this growth in an orchestrated way, to create a unique place that allows Conyers and Rockdale County to reap the benefits of this growth, rather than simply reacting to it. And, the long-time landowner’s property along Iris Drive near I-20 presents the ideal location to create new choices.

The 308 acres owned by Four A International is currently under review with the City of Conyers’ rezoning process. If approved for the City’s mixed-use designation, the property will feature a variety of options for living, working, playing, dining and shopping all within easy walking or biking distance of each other. Designed to support healthy lifestyles for people of all ages, the proposed neighborhood amenities will serve not only residents of the new community but will become assets for all of Rockdale County. Having owned the property since the early 1980s, Four A has a vested interest in seeing its land developed in a high caliber, economically sustainable way.

“Four A has waited a long time to take this step because we believe the special nature of our property, and of Conyers itself, calls for something more than just everyday development — something that, instead, celebrates the land’s natural features and maximizes our opportunities to provide new, market-responsive choices for Conyers,” Roper stated.

The real estate development continues to be designed, and the design will undergo multiple rounds of revision and refinement with the ongoing input of stakeholders, design and engineering specialists, the business community, and city and county leadership. Featuring more than 300,000 square feet of retail, more than 200,000 square feet of office and approximately 1,450 residential units, the community will offer small town charm with metropolitan conveniences — a new place for young professionals, growing families, and downsizing empty-nesters.

The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) with the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) have reviewed the proposed 308-acre development as part of its Development of Regional Impact (DRI) transportation analysis and has found that it is in the best interest of the State, and therefore, of the region. The Conyers City Council is slated to consider the vote on the rezoning of the property on June 5. Construction on the site could begin in late 2013 and vertical construction in mid-2014.

To be built in phases over 10 years, the first phase (located toward I-20) will feature a variety of property types (commercial/retail, residential, and recreational) and will set the tone for the community. “We are not interested in speculative building. During the real estate boom of the early- to mid-2000s, many builders and developers constructed projects with a ‘build it and they will come’ mentality. That’s not what this is,” noted Roper. “This will be market-responsive – meaning that we will build what the market demands. Homes will be pre-sold, commercial space will be pre-leased.”