Transforming Atlanta's Skyline: Wayne Watson's Square Meter Development Awaits MARTA's Nod

Atlanta, GA - 12/27/2023

In a bold move that reflects both ambition and a commitment to transformative urban development, Wayne Watson, a native of Atlanta and graduate of Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, has launched his own development firm, Square Meter Development. With a background as a finance graduate from Morehouse and a master's degree in real estate development from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Watson has spent years honing his skills in the real estate development industry. After successfully serving as a senior project manager at Bridge Investment Group, Wayne Watson has set his sights on reshaping Atlanta's skyline.

Square Meter Development's inaugural venture is an ambitious response to the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority's (MARTA) Request for Proposal (RFP) for the redevelopment of the Art Center Station. Despite MARTA not having selected the winning proposal yet, Watson, leveraging his extensive experience in transit-oriented development, has assembled an award-winning team to present a concept and proposal that could potentially transform the Art Center Station and its surroundings.

The project's team, comprised of internationally acclaimed firms, includes RIOS, Tate and Henson, Nelson Worldwide, Kimley Clark, SEI (South Eastern Engineering), EXP, and Clark Construction, among others. Many of these firms collaborated previously on the Echo Street West development on the west side of Atlanta's Donald Lee Hollowell corridor, demonstrating a cohesion that bodes well for the success of the Art Center Station redevelopment.

Watson's Square Meter Development is not just aiming to meet MARTA's procurement specifications but is also eager to be selected as the winning proposal for this project, seeking to create a meaningful and memorable urban space for the residents of Atlanta and the Arts Center Neighborhood. 

The proposed development brings several advantages to the table:

1. A Well-Positioned Team:

Square Meter is a minority-led firm based in Atlanta, with Wayne Watson at the helm. Watson's prior partnerships with RIOS, Kimley Horn, and Nelson Worldwide on the Echo Street West mixed-use development and Clark Construction on "the Stacks" in Washington, D.C., underscore the team's solid foundation.

2. Innovative Affordable Housing Structure:

The development program prioritizes affordable housing, proposing up to 114 units at 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This innovative approach ensures permanent affordability while using a traditional financing structure.

3. Transit-Oriented, Mixed-Use Concept:

Beyond affordable housing, the project envisions 992 units of market-rate housing, 293,785 square feet of office space, 47,000 square feet of retail space, and a 315-key hotel. The design emphasizes pedestrian-friendly access points to the train station and surrounding neighborhood, fostering a vibrant live, work, and play destination.

4. Beautification of MARTA Station:

An integral part of Square Meter Development's concept includes the beautification of the current MARTA Station. The aim is not only to create a functional transit hub but also to enhance the aesthetic appeal, making it a welcoming space for commuters and residents alike.

5. Local Experience and Commitment to Collaboration:

With significant experience in Atlanta, Square Meter Development is well-equipped to navigate the local economic landscape, facilitating a smooth entitlement, design, and permitting process.

As Square Meter Development awaits MARTA's decision, Wayne Watson's vision and leadership promise to leave an indelible mark on Atlanta's urban landscape. The project not only aligns with MARTA's goals but also represents a commitment to sustainability, affordability, and the overall betterment of the community. Atlanta's skyline is on the verge of a remarkable transformation, and Wayne Watson's Square Meter Development is poised to be at the forefront of this exciting endeavor.