McAuley Station is a 170-unit mixed-income housing development in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood—a historically significant and culturally rich area within the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic District—that integrates housing with health care services. Developed through a partnership between Pennrose and Mercy Care, the project provides affordable housing and is part of the larger McAuley Park master plan. The development includes 10 transitional/respite units for Mercy Care patients and 30 permanent supportive housing units for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The project required a complex and collaborative capital structure. Financing sources included bonds from Invest Atlanta, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit equity allocated by Georgia DCA, a HOME loan, and National Housing Trust allocation from Georgia DCA, a loan from Trinity Health Care, a grant from Invest Atlanta’s Eastside TAD, funding from Partners for HOME, and Saint Joseph’s Health System. Aligning funding timelines and managing rising construction costs were significant challenges, which the development team overcame through early engagement with partners and proactive coordination. The project was completed on time and within budget.
Community concerns around density, traffic and service integration were addressed through transparent engagement with local stakeholders and careful planning of the shared-use parking deck, walkable access to MARTA and intentional architectural design. The development team worked closely with the city of Atlanta and preservation advocates to ensure that the building’s design respected the neighborhood’s scale while contributing positively to its revitalization.
McAuley Station’s design thoughtfully integrates high-quality features. Residents have access to a rooftop deck with grilling stations, a bocce court and city views, a resident lounge and community center, a fitness center, and a business center. The apartments feature luxury vinyl plank flooring, granite countertops, and central air in all apartments, all features typically found in market-rate properties.
Architecturally, the building balances modern aesthetics with the historical and cultural significance of the Sweet Auburn neighborhood. A five-story, controlled-access shared parking garage with Mercy Care helps with efficient land use and parking management. The building promotes walkability, safety and access to nearby amenities and transit.
Pennrose Management Company (PMC) manages the property with an emphasis on customer service and resident support. The lease-up process was carefully coordinated with partners like Mercy Care, Fulton County Behavioral Health and Partners for HOME to ensure residents in supportive and respite units received appropriate placement. PMC’s staff are trained in trauma-informed practices to support the unique needs of the diverse resident population.
Residents benefit from a wide range of services that are integrated through Mercy Care and community partnerships including on-site access to primary care, mental health care and substance use treatment, transitional/respite housing connected to clinical follow-up and case management, permanent supportive hosing with individualized service plans, health and wellness programming coordinated with Mercy Care and other local nonprofits, resident engagement programs including events, financial literacy workshops and employment support and digital inclusion and computer lab access through the community center. The services are not just add-ons; they are integral to the development’s core model.
By connecting housing with health care and supportive services, McAuley Station addresses the root causes of housing instability.
McAuley Station was designed with a focus on sustainability and is certified EarthCraft Multifamily. It incorporates a high-performance building envelope with advanced insulation, energy-efficient HVAC systems, Energy Star appliances and LED lighting in all units and common areas, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. The installation of bicycle racks and the proximity to MARTA transit encourage car-free commuting.
These features not only help the environment but also reduce utility costs for residents, ensuring long-term affordability. The project has been recognized for its innovative approach, receiving the 2025 NALHFA’s Multifamily Excellence Award.