A proposed mixed-use development is looking to add over 1,200 units in downtown McDonough. Retail and office space would also be part of the project. McDonough notified the state about the proposed project on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Because of the project size, it must complete a development of regional impact (DRI) review before the city council can consider it.
Mixed-Use Development in Downtown McDonough
The proposed development, “McDonough Civic Complex,” would be on South Zack Hinton Parkway. The 70-acre property is near the McDonough Post Office, McDonough High School and Richard Craig Park.
According to the McDonough zoning map, the property has existing zoning classifications of RM-75 (multifamily housing) and C-3 (highway commercial). The developer is requesting a rezoning request for their project.
The project developer is Edison Real Estate Partners of Milton, GA. If the project is approved, then they are estimating construction would be complete by the end of 2030.
The proposed project has office, hotel, retail, residential and multifamily housing components. The housing component includes 1,050 multifamily units and 190 townhomes. The square footage of the proposed retail and office space is not yet available.
More details about the project should become available over the next couple of months.
About the DRI Review
The project’s size triggers a development of regional impact (DRI) review. This is a state-level planning tool where surrounding jurisdictions can provide comments about the proposed project. State agencies will also review the concept for traffic and environmental comments. Lastly, the applicant must complete a traffic impact study. The Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) will then review the traffic study. The DRI review takes about 3-6 months, on average, to complete. The city cannot consider whether to approve or deny the rezoning request until this review is complete.
Nearby Road Projects
Earlier this month, the McDonough council hired a design engineer for sidewalks in the same vicinity as the proposed development. The proposed sidewalks would be on both sides of S Zack Hinton Pkwy / SR 155. If the proposed mixed-use development goes through, then building sidewalks on their road frontage would become their responsibility.
The State Route 155 widening project extends from I-75 to State Route 42. The state project plans to start construction in 2027. There are no current plans to widen SR 155 from Postmaster Drive to Racetrack Road. The project’s traffic study should look at that, as well as nearby intersections. The Henry Reporter will share updates on the traffic study and DRI review as they progress.
Featured image shows apartments under construction. Adobe stock photo.
