Municipalities & Governmental Entities
Cities and governmental entities often face strategic decisions regarding real estate that require objective counsel. In the past, our firm has helped cities answer the following questions:
What is the best strategy for revitalizing our downtown area, and how do we partner with the development community to implement our vision?
How does the city issue an effective Request for Proposals (RFP) that will generate a strong response from the development community?
What is the highest and best use of surplus land owned by the city?
Recent Examples of Our Work with Governmental Clients
The City of Sandy Springs issued a Request for Proposals seeking a master developer for a 14-acre project that was envisioned for a new city hall, performing arts center, housing, and retail space. Our firm was retained to help evaluate the merits of developers’ proposals, particularly the economic implications. Selig Enterprises and Carter were selected as the master developer, and Haddow & Company helped the City negotiate the development agreement. The project, known as City Springs, opened in the spring of 2018.
In 2021, Haddow & Company was retained by the City of Sandy Springs to evaluate approximately 4.5 acres of property the City had assembled for the second phase of its City Springs development. City officials were interested in determining the optimal mix of uses for these properties prior to engaging with developers in a formal RFP process. In addition to gathering pertinent market data in the various real estate sectors, interviews with leading real estate professionals were an integral step in determining the ideal mix of uses and scale of the potential development. Haddow & Company worked in concert with a local architecture firm to produce site plans and renderings. The ultimate goal was to provide the development community with the City’s general vision for the property in order to streamline the RFP process. Our firm is currently advising the City as it receives proposals from developers.
Haddow & Company was engaged by Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) and Sweet Auburn Works to prepare a real estate market study for the Sweet Auburn Study Area (Sweet Auburn). This effort was part of the real estate predevelopment and technical assistance services that are being provided to area property owners. Several owners are currently evaluating the market and financial feasibility of development projects, and are applying for funding through the Eastside Tax Allocation District. The purpose of this report was to provide an in-depth analysis of economic and real estate conditions that will assist property owners with this process.
In addition to market analysis, this report addresses several broader issues impacting Sweet Auburn and offers conclusions and recommendations regarding actions that can be taken to improve the neighborhood’s future prospects. The study methodology relied heavily on interviews with key property owners, real estate professionals, and other stakeholders.
Our firm serves as an on-call real estate advisor for MARTA. Duties have included analyzing joint development proposals, reviewing lease agreements, and providing advice on surplus real estate. Another crucial role has been helping negotiate development agreements for MARTA's transit-oriented development program.
