Bishop T.D. Jakes Plans to Build Affordable Housing in Atlanta

T.D. JakesScreenshot from Twitter

Dallas-based Bishop T.D. Jakes was approved to build a mixed-use housing facility in Atlanta, Georgia.

On October 21, Fort Mac approved the Initial Interim Master Plan for T. D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures, LLC to develop on land that was Fort McPherson Army Base.

T. D. Jakes plans to redevelop 95 acres of land on what was Fort McPherson.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Joyce Shepard said next Wednesday afternoon plans will be presented to the community engagement subcommittee.

“The plan will be discussed,” Sheperd said. “This is just a preliminary plan of T.D. Jakes. There’s still a huge amount of community input that will be going into the plan. This plan is just in the beginning stages.”

Jakes described his vision with Operation Hope founder John Hope Bryant over a virtual live stream from his base in Dallas Texas.

Once the deal is approved, Fort McPherson will have sold most of the land that used to encompass the fort.

Saporta Report noted that media mogul Tyler Perry bought 330 acres of Fort McPherson for $30 million. He currently has a contract to buy another 37 acres to be used as an entertainment and commercial zone for public access.

T.D. Jakes said:

“We are pleased to release this plan today to provide the community a glimpse of what is likely to be incorporated into the final plan. While this is a major step forward, the plan is a work in progress as we continue our dialogue with local stakeholders and residents. We remain focused on strengthening communities through affordable housing and by helping people live the American dream through homeownership and the creation of multi-generational wealth.”

The next step in the planning process is the interim layout provides a general overview that will probably be incorporated into a final master plan.

The vision is for a mixed-use development with mixed-income housing and several living choices including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments in well-designed neighborhoods.

Additionally, the plan calls for an improved quality of life for both residents in the new development and existing residents in the community. A focus will be on healthy food choices, and healthcare options. The plan also includes more green space and a bike path.

Continued progress and updates will continue for T. D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures LLC and the Fort Mac LRA Board.

T. D. Jakes said a lot of discussions to change the world occur in small rooms than big rooms.

“It’s done behind closed doors. I want to see the table in a small room where the changes are going to be made, where the monies are going to be allocated, where the grants are going to be released, where the doors are going to be opening so that we can have a legacy. I’m not worried about me. I’m almost 65 years old. I’m worried about my grandchildren having a world that they can live in and breathe air and have water and own a house and grab a car and have the kind of life — or better — than their white counterparts.”

T. D. Jakes received praise from the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, and Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms.

“This is a real shot in the arm for an important community within the state. Significant job creation such as this will create more opportunities for hardworking Georgians and surrounding small businesses, which are the real backbone of our state economy.”

“The positive impact will be felt for generations to come. It marks another monumental chapter in the history of Fort Mac.”