What is “Stayfacation?” It’s Marvin Nesbitt’s concept that legacy homeowners should have a seat at the table as neighborhoods grow and evolve. Tune in as Nesbitt, senior director of community development with Focused Community Strategies, joins host Carol Morgan on this Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast episode, Nesbitt gives a powerful reminder that investing in existing neighborhoods isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people, history and preserving the soul of a community. Find out more about Focused Community Strategies’ recent developments in South Atlanta neighborhoods.
Focused Community Strategies Mission
For 25 years, Focused Community Strategies has worked diligently in South Atlanta to assist under-resourced communities and create the conditions for individuals to thrive at home.
Focused Community Strategies utilizes three pillars for every project it takes on.
Neighborhood engagement: Some current projects include health and wellness fairs, a food co-op and youth group activities. The organization offers these engaging events in partnership with the local Civic League.
Affordable options for mixed-income households: Focused Community Strategies has built and sold over 200 affordable homes since its inception. This approach creates a sense of stability for the South Atlanta residents that the organization supports.
Economic development: Focused Community Strategies’ reach goes beyond real estate; the organization also finds ways to invest in the neighborhood’s economy. Community Grounds, the organization’s coffee shop provides a comfortable place for gathering and offers stable job opportunities, while its small market sells nutritious produce with affordable price tags.
Nesbitt asked himself, “How do we create opportunities for future and further investment in the neighborhood while addressing the issues of food insecurity and economic mobility through workforce development?”
Mixed-Use Development at Brownsville Pointe
The organization recently acquired land in Brownsville and plans to transform it into Brownsville Pointe, a small but vibrant mixed-use development. South Atlanta residents can anticipate 18 apartment units, with 12 of those available affordably. When Nesbitt approached residents and neighborhood leadership about their desires for the project, there was a lot of demand for a sit-down restaurant. He says that Brownsville Pointe’s commercial space will likely transform into an eatery upon completion of the development.
The project is currently in the environmental remediation phase, but Focused Community Strategies plans to break ground this summer.
“Brownsville Pointe, if you don't know, was the original name of historic South Atlanta before that name was changed decades ago,” said Nesbitt. “So, it's just our way of honoring the rich history and tradition of the neighborhood.”
Challenges of Building in South Atlanta
Nesbitt emphasizes that Focused Community Strategies’ strong relationship with the Civic League provides much-needed clarity between residents and developers. Communication between both parties has eliminated most of the challenges, but the increasing popularity of the Atlanta Beltline has raised the costs of acquisition.
“We have to compete with investors for opportunities and development in the footprint,” said Nesbitt. “All of that is just driving up cost and making opportunities or shrinking opportunities for nonprofit organizations like ours to continue to do the good work and ensure that there are homeownership opportunities.”
Investing in Existing Neighborhoods
Nesbitt believes in “stayfacation,” the affirmation that legacy homeowners should continue to have a place in the neighborhood and promote its values and traditions.
In the spirit of neighborhood revitalization, Focused Community Strategies has partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta and the City of Atlanta to breathe new life into Thomasville Heig...