Decatur, Ga. – A new mixed‑use project is reshaping East Lake. Vela Park, a 12‑acre development by Perennial Properties, broke ground on 328 homes—including 43 rental townhomes—alongside a food hall, green space and community amenities.
Placemaking at the heart of East Lake
Founder and CEO Tim Schrader says Vela Park is less about another housing complex and more about creating a destination where neighbors can meet, eat and enjoy outdoor activities. “For us, Vela Park was all about placemaking,” Schrader explained. “We wanted to provide a destination for people in the East Lake area, something that has not existed in this neighborhood for many years.”
The development sits on the former Bag Factory site, a property that had been largely vacant for decades. It offers studio, one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments and two‑ and three‑bedroom townhomes, providing options for residents at different life stages.
Vela Park Food Works: a culinary gathering hub
At the center of the project is Vela Park Food Works, a food hall created by developer Robert Montwaid. The hall features six independent kitchens, a full‑service bar and both indoor and outdoor seating. Options range from pizza and Southern fried chicken to Latin American, Caribbean, North Carolina barbecue and desserts. “The food hall concept is very different from a standalone restaurant,” Schrader said. “It’s more conducive to social interaction.”
Beyond dining, the space includes a stage for entertainment and community events, a pool, a two‑story clubroom, coworking areas, a podcast studio and roughly 5,000 square feet of retail serving local needs.
Community programming and future plans
Even before construction was complete, Vela Park hosted the East Lake Music Fest, drawing hundreds of attendees. Schrader hopes the venue will host everything from small neighborhood meetings to larger festivals. “You can have a beer, you can have a meal, or you can just bring your dog and hang out in the park,” he said. “The stage will be a place for entertainment, and it’s just going to be a great place for community events.”
Perennial Properties views Vela Park and its nearby ELLA development as catalysts for broader investment in East Lake. “Our hope is that these developments will be a catalyst for much greater investment in East Lake,” Schrader added.
Balancing growth and affordability
Schrader acknowledges questions about affordability as the neighborhood evolves. By offering a range of housing sizes—from studios to larger townhomes—the development aims to attract residents across different income levels and life stages.
Vela Park officially began leasing in July, with the food hall holding its grand opening on August 5. As the project settles in, local leaders and residents will watch to see how the new space influences the fabric of East Lake and whether it spurs further revitalization in Decatur.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
