A stretch of Smyrna along the Chattahoochee River that was once dominated by industrial uses has a new identity. The city is putting finishing touches on the new riverfront community.
“I’m excited about it because development along the river is difficult,” said Andrea Worthy, Smyrna’s community development director.
Riverview Landing is a mixed-use development of new homes, restaurants and park space along the Chattahoochee River. Worthy said development along the river is tightly restricted under the Metropolitan River Protection Act, but the Riverview Landing property was allowed to be redeveloped because the land had previously been disturbed. The 82-acre site was previously industrial property that included a landfill.
“We had an opportunity to transition industrial land into development with new residences, a park area and places to gather,” Worthy said.
The second phase of the development was completed this summer and includes 12 acres of linear park space along the river. Prestwick Companies built The Eddy apartment community of more than 1,200 units. Meritage Homes built 260 single-family residences, according to the city.
About 17,000 square feet of commercial space includes a brewery, coffee shop and restaurant.
Worthy and Councilman Rickey Oglesby describe Smyrna as a city of convenience, with The Battery and Truist Park just beyond its borders, and downtown Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport within easy reach.
But what officials have been working to create is a special kind of energy, Worthy said.
The officials said Riverview Landing strengthens Smyrna’s appeal in a metro area filled with attractive developments, and gives the city an edge as a place where businesses and people want to put down roots and enjoy a high quality of life.
Riverview Landing is one of several redevelopment projects taking shape in Smyrna. Last February, city council approved a redevelopment plan for the nine-acre former First Baptist Church property in south downtown. Plans for that project include 350 new homes, businesses, shops, restaurants and a hotel.
