This is a weekly feature of our For the Record newsletter, filled with the latest reporting from Canopy Atlanta and Atlanta Documenters, which trains and pays residents to take notes on undercovered local government meetings. Sign up to find this in your inbox every week.
🗣️ QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“{People can come} shop in the West End, and also live in the West End. Go have your brunch. Go out and watch a football game. Go get your nails done.”
Art by George Galbreath
Demolition of the long-closed West End Mall is set to begin in the next few weeks, according to developer Andrew Katz of The Prusik Group. Katz shared the update at a November West End Neighborhood Development meeting, confirming that the 12-acre site has been fenced and secured in preparation for work to start.
The demolition is expected to wrap up before Atlanta hosts the World Cup in June 2026. Construction will then continue for another two to three years, transforming the site—now branded One West End—into a mixed-use development with 125,000 square feet of retail space, including a grocery store and fitness center, and more than 800 mixed-income rental units.
“[People can come] shop in the West End, and also live in the West End,” Katz said. “Go have your brunch. Go out and watch a football game. Go get your nails done.”
According to Urbanize, four longtime tenants—The Burning Sands, Dendera Cosmetics, True Hair, and American Deli—have been temporarily relocated to Oak Street during development. Planet Fitness will operate where it stands during phase one of construction.
The long-awaited redevelopment follows years of stalled plans. After multiple failed proposals from earlier developers, BRP Companies and The Prusik Group purchased the mall in 2024 and closed it in January of this year.
The $450 million redevelopment is a partnership between the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Beltline, Inc., and Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, which provided a combined $10 million in acquisition funding, alongside $19 million from Merchants Capital.
(Documented by Natalie Pilgeram; additional reporting by Ada Wood)
Photo by Brent Brewer
Read our past reporting:
- As COVID-19 threatens plans for the neighborhood’s Black commercial center, businesses hang in the balance (October 2020)
- A third developer takes a stab at reinventing the historic community centerpiece — with promises made, residents wait and watch expectantly (July 2022)
- Redevelopment at the West End Mall is underway, after several previous redevelopment plans stalled over the last five years (September 2025)
🔎 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
🏗️ West End Neighborhood Development
Demolition of The Mall at West End will begin soon. Meanwhile, West End Neighborhood Development continues to discuss the proposed affordable housing project at the former Peeples Street Elementary School site. The Atlanta Mayor’s Office has sought WEND’s approval to rezone the property from low- to medium-density residential, but Zoning Committee Chair Larry Frazer said the committee delayed a vote until four questions were answered: how the rezoning benefits the community, confirmation of public notification signage, plans for managing wildlife and trees, and a framework for community engagement. Carolyn Kovar, assistant director of housing delivery, said the City responded to those questions within 48 hours of receiving them. WEND will share the City’s answers before its next meeting on December 2, when members plan to vote on the rezoning. Documenter’s note: No Atlanta Police Department representative attended this meeting. President Marquise “Tony” McNeal said APD is understaffed but hopes Zone 4 Captain Antonio Clay will attend future meetings. (Documented by Natalie Pilgeram)
📲 Clayton County Board of Commissioners
E911 dispatchers will now serve an 18-month probationary period, consistent with other new public safety hires. Also discussed at this meeting: Resident Mickey Garber encouraged attendees to recognize the anniversary of Clayton County’s founding on November 30, 1858. (Documented by Dominique Huff)
📄 Atlanta Board of Zoning Adjustments
An appeal over Huntington Road building permits claimed inaccurate lot measurements, nonconforming lots, and potential fraud that could have let the developer skirt zoning rules, but the board dismissed it as moot since those permits are already under revision. (Documented by Jessica Dudley)
🗓️ COMMUNITY CALENDAR
📅 November 15, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 Jim Huie Recreation Center, 9045 Tara Boulevard, Jonesboro
One West End Listening Session: Affordability in the New West End
📅 November 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
📍 TBD
📅 November 19, 12 to 2 p.m.
📍 Headquarters Library, 865 Battle Creek Road, Jonesboro
Atlanta Public Schools Forward 2040 Public Meeting
📅 December 3, 5:30 to 6 p.m.
📍 Center for Leadership and Learning, 130 Trinity Avenue SW, Atlanta
📅 Third Fridays, 12 to 2 p.m.
📍 Council House, 5087 Park Avenue, Forest Park
Editor: Heather Buckner
Contributors: Ada Wood and J.P. Irie
Fact Checker: J.P. Irie
I hope this story leaves you inspired by the power of community-focused journalism. Here at Canopy Atlanta, we're driven by a unique mission: to uncover and amplify the voices and stories that often go unheard in traditional newsrooms.
Our nonprofit model allows us to prioritize meaningful journalism that truly serves the needs of our community. We're dedicated to providing you with insightful, thought-provoking stories that shed light on the issues and stories that matter most to neighborhoods across Atlanta.
By supporting our newsroom, you're not just supporting journalism – you're investing in Atlanta. Small and large donations enable us to continue our vital work of uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, stories that deserve to be told and heard.
From Bankhead to South DeKalb to Norcross, I believe in the power of our journalism and the impact it can have on our city.
If you can, please consider supporting us with a small gift today. Your support is vital to continuing our mission.
Floyd Hall, co-founder
