Plans to expand Ponce City Market not welcomed by some Old Fourth Ward residents

Ponce City Market, a mixed-use project that has been a boon to the Beltline, is planning its second phase, but not everyone is happy about it.
Cashelle Rose, President of the Fourth Ward Alliance, said PCM’s developer, Jamestown, is proposing three new buildings. The buildings would include a hotel, and commercial and residential spaces.
Renderings for the project were not provided to Atlanta Loop, but Curbed Atlanta was able to obtain one rendering which you can see by clicking here. According to Curbed, the hotel would be constructed on Glen Iris Drive and the other two buildings would be constructed on PCM’s southeastern corner. WSB-TV reports that one of the towers would be built on top of a parking deck.
Rose said the community has known for some time that Ponce City Market was planning a second phase, but those plans have been altered from what was initially proposed.
“The surprise is they’re changing from the original designs to these,” she said. “These designs will be taller, mostly to not obstruct the view of the original building.”
She said the previous designs were for a “shorter, fatter” building that would’ve obscured the view of PCM.
Jamestown CEO Matt Bronfman said planning for Phase 2 is still in the early stages.
“These additions have been contemplated since the beginning of Ponce City Market’s transformation, and right now, we’re meeting with neighbors, sharing ideas, and seeking feedback to incorporate into the plan,” he said. “Ponce City Market was built for the community, and with this next chapter, we’re continuing to allocate 20 percent of residential units as affordable housing alongside prioritizing free events, greenspace, access to alternative transportation, and honoring the history and original architecture of the building.”
Rose said while the increased density at the site is appealing to Fourth Ward residents, the overall plan is getting “mixed reviews.”
“Folks want to see increased transit in the area,” Rose said. “Some people are upset about any tall buildings going in, especially in Fourth Ward.”