The Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission signed off last week on a new phase of the massive Lakewood development off Barnett Shoals Road.
The most recent version of a plan to develop 90 acres includes 540–795 housing units—including live/work units, apartments, townhouses and detached houses—as well as 20,000 square feet of commercial space. Originally 173,000 square feet of commercial space was proposed.
“The principles behind this are mostly New Urbanist in design,” planner Marc Beechuk said. “You’ve got a lot of alley-loaded garages, a mix of housing types, a mix of commercial and residential uses, lots of public green, some of which the units face on, as opposed to facing onto a street, street trees, buildings that are close to the street.”
The current proposal consists of four “pods” or neighborhoods labeled “arts and entertainment,” “central,” “garden” and “peninsula,” each with distinct architectural styles. They would be connected by streets and trails.
Lakewood has a long history dating back to 2004, when the original plan for 207 acres owned by the Dekle family was approved. It was amended in 2005, 2006, 2014, 2017 and 2020. Only 196 apartments, 43 houses and 38 townhouses have been built so far.
The planning commission unanimously recommended approval. The development now goes to the ACC Mayor and Commission for a final decision.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
