ECG’s team of experts equipped with decades of local, hands-on experience in business development, government affairs, market research, and utilities management strives to provide our communities with the best opportunities available. Part of delivering the highest quality results is emboldening our team members to participate in significant hands-on collaborations with emerging industry thought leaders, intent on affecting change for our communities and cities.

One such program is the ULI Atlanta’s Center for Leadership, from which our Director of Economic Development, Mill Graves, graduated in August as the Class of 2020. The nine-month program cultivates leadership and life-strategy skills among emerging leaders in real estate and land use industries. Its overarching goal is strengthening connections and guiding responsible development.

The Center for Leadership provides a powerful local resource, strengthen connections among area organizations that guide and influence Atlanta real estate development. During the course of the program, participants have the opportunity to provide leadership on a land-use challenge culminating in a mini Technical Assistance Panel (mTAP) where class teams share expertise and recommendations to sponsor clients.

Mill’s Brookhaven mTAP Team presented a feasibility study on the Brookhaven Entertainment District: Validate potential at Apple Valley (2020). This study evaluated the feasibility and economic impact of establishing an entertainment district in the City of Brookhaven. 

Its project scope sought to review the viability of establishing an entertainment zone on Apple Valley Road with the following outcomes:

• Validate the potential of Apple Valley corridor as a location to establish it as an entertainment district
• Determine the highest and best use (~22-acre assemblage)
• Make recommendations for improving access and connectivity to MARTA & Peachtree Rd.

Project deliverables included case studies and considerations, a process plan, an economic impact, and a site plan with visuals as seen below.

Be sure to check out Mill’s entire mTAP project along with past CFL mTAP reports here.

ULI Atlanta is a District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). As the preeminent, multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI is a nonprofit education and research group supported by its diverse, expert membership base.