ATLANTA—What is really driving the multifamily development boom along the Atlanta BeltLine? How did it start? How did you become involved?

Those are good questions for Tim Schrager, board chairman of the Atlanta Apartment Association. He's also CEO of Perennial Properties, a development and management company specializing in mixed-use commercial properties.

“The reason the BeltLine is so appealing to renters is because of the active, walkable lifestyle it offers,” Schrager says. “The neighborhoods near the Eastside Trail, for example, are truly walkable and one can move around without a car. There are parks, recreation and entertainment all within walking or biking distance.”

As Schrager sees it, the growth along the BeltLine has been more of a domino effect than a boom. Since the concept of the BeltLine was presented to the City of Atlanta, he says, both government leaders and private citizens have been on board, and public-private partnerships formed to support the project.

“The idea of a pedestrian, bike friendly, and transit corridor just made sense,” Schrager says. “Although it took time to gain traction, the plan was eventually implemented with little resistance.”

Perennial got involved with the BeltLine early. The first large-scale development Schrager oversaw for Perennial was completed over 20 years ago along the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks in the popular Virginia-Highland neighborhood.

“When we saw the promise of the renovation of the rail corridor, we were immediately on board,” Schrager says. “We helped promote the BeltLine in its infancy, and as a company, we're proud of that.”

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