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Lilburn Railroad Avenue Redevelopment
Stay up-to-date on what's going on at Railroad Avenue!
What's Happening on Railroad Avenue?
The City of Lilburn, the Lilburn Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and RangeWater Real Estate are partnering to transform a former active industrial fabrication and storage site on Railroad Avenue into a comprehensive, catalytic, and community-focused redevelopment with the goal of bringing vibrant economic development opportunities, new housing choices, sustainable infrastructure, and connected public space to Old Town Lilburn.
As of spring 2025, demolition of the site's former structures is complete and sitework is underway. Groundbreaking on construction is slated for mid-May, with the project expected to be complete in winter 2026/2027.
Please stay tuned to this webpage as updated concepts and plans will be posted as available! Click through the tabs below to view a project video, project information, and construction photos.
For information on development and DDA projects in the City of Lilburn, please visit Current Development Projects.
Why is this partnership good for Lilburn?
Click the link below to view a presentation on how this partnership will benefit our community.
Why is the city promoting this project?
This project is different from typical private developments because it’s a public-private partnership between the City of Lilburn, the City of Lilburn’s Downtown Development Authority, RangeWater, and others. Unlike private projects, this collaboration supports the city’s long-term vision while delivering public infrastructure—like a much-needed parking deck—that the city could not have accomplished on its own. That’s why the city is actively promoting it: it’s not just a private venture, but a community-focused investment with lasting public benefits.
What is being constructed?
The following components of the redevelopment thrive or fail as one project though they are owned by different entities, both public and private. Implementation on the apartments and the parking deck are underway. The DDA is continuing the search for a developer whose vision matches the City's for the 57 Railroad property.
Luxury Apartments
RangeWater Real Estate, is constructing approximately 269 luxury apartments. Beyond providing additional housing choices for current and future Lilburn residents, the new development will help create the added customer base necessary to sustain the vibrant restaurant, retail, recreation, and entertainment destinations of Old Town Lilburn. The estimated total of 269 apartments, broken down by type of unit, is as follows:
- 144 one-bedroom units
- 84 two-bedroom units
- 17 three-bedroom units, and
- 24 studio units.
Click the button below to view an example rendering of the development.
Example Rendering of Proposed Luxury Apartments
Public/Private Parking Deck
RangeWater, in partnership with DDA, is building a parking deck with approximately 700 spaces: 400 private; 300 public. The private spaces will serve the luxury apartments, and the public spaces will accommodate park and trail users, restaurant and entertainment patrons, and visitors to all things Old Town Lilburn.
Proposed Site Plan with Parking Deck
Redevelopment of 57 Railroad Avenue
The Downtown Development Authority owns 57 Railroad Avenue. It was acquired by the DDA in 2021 for two primary purposes: (1) to relocate an industrial use from the center of Old Town to a more appropriate location; and (2) to redevelop the existing structure into a family friendly, community entertainment and/or dining venue. Interested developers are invited to contact the DDA at development@cityoflilburn.com.
How will the new development fit in?
Much thought has been given to how the new development will fit in with existing and adjacent community features. For transparency, the below site plan has been made available so the community can see the full scope of the redevelopment plans. Also included is an illustration/rendering of the fencing and landscaping that will be provided as a buffer between the development and the Townswalk community.
What About the Schools?
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) anticipates minimal impact on Knight Elementary, Trickum Middle, and Parkview High from this project. The district projects no more than 14 additional students as a result—significantly fewer than the nearby single-family neighborhood, Annsbury Park, which is expected to generate three times that number.
Questions?
Please reach out to Rebecca Baumann, Communications Director for the City of Lilburn:
Winter 2026/2027
Construction complete (estimated)
September - October 2026
Complete any reinspections, touch up paint, complete entry gates, arms, low voltage testing.
July - August 2026
Complete all final inspections, elevators, electrical, plumbing, etc.
May - June 2026
Execute final touches, clean and punch.
March - April 2026
Install elevator, inspections, and touch up all finishes.
January - February 2026
Complete all finishes, flooring, painting, and low voltage.
October - November 2025
Install cable railings, low voltage, and finish exterior brick.
August - September 2025
Install mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire sprinklers, and brick around base.
July 2025
Complete | Erect the parking deck.
June 2025
Complete | Pour foundations, footings, and walls.
Mid-May 2025
Complete | Groundbreaking!
January - April 2025
Complete | 2/16/2025: RangeWater and the DDA closed on the deal for the luxury apartment development and the public/private parking deck.
05/01/2024
Complete
- DDA issues bonds
- DDA issues notice to proceed on the construction of the parking deck
- RangeWater closes on the property for the luxury apartments
- RangeWater and DDA enter into a Bond for Title Agreement
- RangeWater and DDA enter into a Lease Agreement for the lease of 400 parking spaces to apartment tenants
- Property transfers and construction easements are completed
January - March 2024
Complete
- City Council and DDA Board of Directors to adopt Intergovernmental Agreements for the Series A and Series B bonds
- City Council, DDA, and RW Lilburn Owner, LLC, to adopt the PILOT and Guaranty Agreements as well as modifications to the Development Agreement
- City Council, DDA, and Piedmont Bank to adopt the Bond Purchase Agreement
- DDA to adopt the following resolutions: bond, series 2024A bond, series 2024B bond,
- DDA and RW Lilburn Owner, LLC, to adopt the following agreements: rental, lease, bond purchase loan, security, and option
- DDA to complete bond validation process
08/16/2023
Complete | DDA awarded the design/build contract for the public/private parking deck to the proposal receiving the most points, New South. Once the contract is fully executed, New South will be given the notice to proceed on the design component of the contract. The Guaranteed Maximum Price for the design and construction of the parking deck with 700 spaces is $17M.
08/14/2023
Complete
- Mayor and Council approved the Development Agreement with RangeWater and the DDA. The agreement contains the terms of the business deal. The agreement will be posted on this site once it is fully executed by all parties.
- Mayor and Council acknowledged the DDA Resolution No. 2023-03, a resolution adopted by the DDA on July 19, 2-23, establishing the DDA’s intent to issue Series A (non-taxable) bonds to build the public parking spaces in an amount not to exceed $7.35M.
08/03/2023
Complete | DDA’s Request for Proposals for the design and construction of a public/private parking deck closed.
7/19/2023
Complete | DDA adopts three Resolutions formalizing their intent to issue bonds for the construction of the project:
- DDA Resolution No. 2023-02 expresses the DDA’s commitment of intent to sell and issue economic development revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $60M and establishes the legal framework for a bond for title component of the project. Click here to view and download the full resolution.
- DDA Resolution No. 2023-03 establishes the DDA’s intent to issue Series A (non-taxable) bonds to build the city’s public parking spaces in an amount not to exceed $7.35M. This resolution includes an acknowledgement by the City of Lilburn. Click here to view and download the full resolution.
- DDA Resolution No. 2023-04 establishes the DDA’s intent to issue Series B (taxable) bonds to build the private parking spaces in an amount not to exceed $10.15M. This resolution includes an acknowledgement by RangeWater. Click here to view and download the full resolution.
4/10/2023
Complete | Mayor and City Council approve a Special Use Permit (SUP 2023-01) to allow for multifamily in the Commercial Business zoning district on the site of the future luxury apartments
September – December 2023
Complete | 10/30/2023: DDA received three competitive bids from banks to purchase the Series A tax-exempt bond valued at $7.59M and the Series B taxable bond valued at $10.66M. The most responsive, responsible bidder was Piedmont Bank with the following interest rates: Federal Fund Rate -75 basis points for the Series A bond and Federal Fund Rate +50 basis points for the Series B bond.
12/12/2022
Complete
- Mayor and City Council amend the City Charter to improve the city’s borrowing capacity and lower interest rates for revenue bonds issued by the city of the DDA
- Mayor and City Council approve the business terms of the partnership between RangeWater, the DDA, and the City for the construction of luxury apartments and a public/private parking deck on Railroad Avenue via a Development Agreement
Camino—RangeWater’s recent project in Doraville—is a glimpse of what’s in store for Porchline, coming soon to Old Town Lilburn. Thoughtful design, inviting architecture, and a community-focused feel are all part of what residents can expect. While each development has its own unique character, Porchline will reflect the same high standards and attention to detail that make Camino stand out.
Stay tuned as we continue working with RangeWater and the Downtown Development Authority to bring this exciting vision to life in the heart of Lilburn!