Leasing has begun at The Goat Farm, an artist’s enclave and apartment community that’s been under development for the last few years in Blandtown. 

A collaboration between The Goat Farm arts collective and apartment developer Tribridge Residential, the first phase of the West Midtown project will bring 209 apartments to a four-acre piece of a 12-acre contemporary arts complex that is being developed in stages, including the restoration of a host of historic industrial structures. This three-building phase will also see the opening of 24,000 square feet of artist studios and exhibition and performance spaces. 

Apartments range from studios to two-bedrooms, and 32 units have been set aside as affordable housing. Interiors offer modern and minimalist finishes, large windows, 3D-printed lighting fixtures, energy-efficient appliances and in-home washers and dryers. All units have private patios or balconies. 

The community is centered around an “arboretum-inspired plaza” with a 100-foot water tower built in 1911 and an integrated outdoor performance area. Resident amenities include a rooftop pool, fitness center, dog-washing station and rooftop community club with curated pieces like a light box “Curtain” installation by artist William Kennedy. 

A collection of permanent and rotating exterior and interior public art installations will also be on offer. Already selected works are from Atlanta artists like Carley Rickles, Antonio Darden, Nikki Starz, Crystal Jin Kim and Branden Collins. Building elevators are designed by the experimental artist collective, Zoo as Zoo, and their installation, “Wall All Over It,” will display custom wallpapers and 3D installations. 

“We’ve always sought opportunities for community growth outside art studios and venues,” said Anthony Harper, founder of The Goat Farm. “Partnering with TriBridge boosts Atlanta’s arts infrastructure, broadening access at our campus beyond artists, which helps our arts funding model. Rising costs push the arts out of cities and jeopardize social inquiry that makes cities more intelligent and globally significant. This is a deliberate effort to showcase a self-sustaining cultural center that contributes to that challenge.” 

Future phases will add about 500,000 square feet of art studios, live spaces, creative offices and multidisciplinary venues and exhibition spaces. Plans also call for a restaurant/bar, cafe and art book shop.  

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia will eventually open a 26,000-square-foot permanent home. Atlanta-based Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects plans to begin construction this year. 

The first phase of the project will bring 209 apartments to a four-acre piece of a 12-acre contemporary arts complex that is being developed in stages, including the restoration of a host of historic industrial structures. Courtesy of The Goat Farm.