Demolition on the former hospital began on Monday.
ATLANTA — For four decades, Meta Anthony witnessed miracles and heartbreak inside the walls of the former Atlanta Medical Center.
On Monday, she watched those walls start to come down as developers made way for “BLVDNEXT.”
“We were family. I mean, really family,” Anthony said. “It’s just sad to see it go down like this, so we just had to come and celebrate and just love AMC and love our family.”
The demolition ceremony drew city officials, developers and community members to officially launch the next phase for the site.
Integral Group developer Egbert Perry emphasized the development’s commitment to mixed-income housing and community input.
“We’re creating a neighborhood that reflects the full breadth of Atlanta,” Perry said. “BLVDNEXT represents the kind of economic development that rises with the community, not at the community’s expense.”
The development will include housing for teachers, police officers, nurses and firefighters, Perry said. He previously developed several housing projects in the area several decades ago.
Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders said healthcare services will be part of the future development, though community engagement will determine what that looks like.
“Convenient healthcare needs to be part of the future of this neighborhood,” Saunders said. “We will listen, learn and work together to understand what best serves the people who live here.”
Demolition is expected to be completed by January 31, at which point construction of the new neighborhood’s infrastructure will begin. The Integral Group said Wellstar is funding the demolition and design phase; they will seek private and public financing for construction.
