Smyrna, Ga. – The city’s riverfront is undergoing a dramatic transformation as the 82‑acre Riverview Landing project moves toward completion. Once an industrial tract that housed a landfill, the site is being reborn as a mixed‑use neighborhood with housing, dining, a brewery, a coffee shop and a new linear park along the Chattahoochee River.
City leaders highlight the development’s significance
“I’m excited about it because development along the river is difficult,” said Andrea Worthy, Smyrna’s community development director. Worthy explained that the Metropolitan River Protection Act tightly restricts new construction on riverfront property, but Riverview Landing qualified because the land had already been disturbed by prior industrial use.
“We had an opportunity to transition industrial land into development with new residences, a park area and places to gather,” Worthy added.
Phased construction delivers homes and amenities
The second phase, finished this summer, added 12 acres of linear park that runs directly beside the river, giving residents and visitors a scenic place for recreation and community events. Prestwick Companies constructed The Eddy, an apartment community that provides more than 1,200 rental units. Meritage Homes built 260 single‑family homes, expanding the city’s inventory of owner‑occupied housing.
In addition to the residential component, the development includes roughly 17,000 square feet of commercial space. Tenants feature a local brewery, a coffee shop and a restaurant, creating new job opportunities and a vibrant gathering spot for the neighborhood.
Strategic location supports growth and quality of life
Councilman Rickey Oglesby and Worthy describe Smyrna as a “city of convenience.” The community sits just beyond The Battery and Truist Park, while downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield‑Jackson International Airport are within easy reach. This strategic positioning, combined with the new riverfront amenities, gives Smyrna a competitive edge in attracting families and businesses seeking a high quality of life.
Riverview Landing fits into a broader redevelopment vision
Riverview Landing is one of several projects reshaping Smyrna’s landscape. Earlier this year, the city council approved a redevelopment plan for the former First Baptist Church property in south downtown. That nine‑acre site is slated for 350 new homes, retail, restaurants and a hotel, further expanding the city’s housing stock and economic base.
City officials say these projects collectively strengthen Smyrna’s appeal in a metro area already filled with attractive developments. By converting underused industrial land into vibrant, mixed‑use neighborhoods, Smyrna is positioning itself as a place where both businesses and families want to put down roots.
Looking ahead
With the riverfront park now open and residential units filling quickly, city leaders anticipate continued interest from homebuyers and renters. The development’s success is expected to spur additional private investment and reinforce Smyrna’s reputation as a thriving, family‑friendly community within the greater Atlanta region.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
