Construction to start this summer on Doraville City Center

The city of Doraville will go through major construction this summer that will affect multiple public spaces, including the library, city pool, police station, and Doraville City Hall.

The project, known as Doraville City Center, is expected to revitalize 13 city-owned acres situated between New Peachtree Road and Buford Highway, adjacent to the Doraville MARTA Station, according to officials with master developers Kaufman Capital Partners (KCP).

“Doraville City Hall, the police station and other civic functions currently located on the development property are scheduled to relocate in late June or early July to a KCP renovated mixed-use property adjacent to the new Lumen Doraville Apartments on Tilly Mill Road and Peachtree Boulevard,” stated KCP officials. “Then, demolition of the current city facilities will follow in preparation for sitework of the new Doraville City Center.”

The project will include a newly constructed downtown street grid, public green spaces and the “Doraville People’s Building,” which will house the new Doraville City Hall, a public library and a café that will face a new public town green, according to KCP documents.

A rendering also shows a boutique hotel, multi-use family units, retail and restaurant space and a multi-use trail as part of the project.

Garry Sobel, who leads Kaufman Capital Partners’ work as the Doraville City Center project’s master developer, and Doraville City Manager Chris Eldridge are described by officials as being “at the helm of the project.”

“This is more than buildings and streets — it’s about creating the beating heart of Doraville,” said Sobel. “For more than two years we have collaborated closely with city leadership to bring this vibrant vision to life — one that reflects the energy, history, and spirit of the Doraville community. It’s our hope that the Doraville City Center will not only act as a central gathering space for the community but also as a catalyst for growth along the corridor.”

In 2021, Doraville officials partnered with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for a Technical Assistance Panel focused on redeveloping the downtown Doraville area. Involved from initial concepts, KCP oversaw an implementation plan and feasibility studies completed in 2024, according to officials.

“Together, we’re creating a downtown that will transform the city’s core into a thriving, welcoming, and enduring destination,” said Eldridge.

Closures have already been announced at some public spaces in anticipation of the major demolition and construction; Doraville’s Parks and Recreation Department stated the public pool would not be open for the summer season “due to the upcoming downtown Doraville redevelopment project.”

“While construction has not yet begun, preparations for the redevelopment are underway, and the closure is necessary to ensure safety and support long-term improvements to our community,” reads a statement, in part, on Doraville’s Parks and Recreation Department’s website.

The Doraville Library is also closed with plans to reopen this summer in a temporary location while construction of a new facility takes place. The opening date for this temporary facility is still being determined and will be announced soon, according to officials with DeKalb County Public Library System (DCPL).

“The city of Doraville is starting a downtown redevelopment project that includes building a new library and as part of this initiative, the current Doraville Library building will be demolished,” said DCPL officials.

Doraville was recently awarded a $400,000 Capital Outlet Grant from the Georgia Public Library Service to support the construction of the city’s new public library. The grant was made from the Georgia General Assembly by Doraville’s Rep. Long Tran, Sen. Sally Harrell and Sen. Jason Anavitarte.

“Doraville is deeply grateful to the Georgia Public Library Service and to our legislative champions for securing this support for our city,” said Doraville Mayor Joseph Geierman. “This grant, combined with the $10 million bond Doraville has already secured, brings us one step closer to realizing our vision for a vibrant new city center—where public space, education, and creativity intersect.”

Those seeking city services while demolition and construction is underway can visit the new temporary city hall building at 2421 Van Fleet Circle, Suite 200 in Doraville, according to the city’s website.

Visit doravillega.us for more information.