BMW to Build Technical Training Facility in College Park, Next to GICC
Staff Report From Metro Atlanta CEO
Thursday, July 27th, 2017
The City of College Park, Georgia announced the sale of 4.1 acres of land to BMW of North America on the campus of the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. The land will be used to construct a new BMW Technical Training Facility.
“We’re excited to have BMW join the corporate landscape here in College Park,” said Mayor Jack P. Longino. “The brand is well suited for success in the region, and we’re poised to support them to the attainment of that goal.”
“The recent announcement of BMW locating their new hi-tech training facility in College Park, Georgia continues to substantiate and validate College Park as the best place to do business in the south metro Atlanta area and North Georgia region,” said Artie Jones, III., Executive Director of the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority and Director of Economic Development for the City of College Park, Georgia.
The project will be developed by the Indianapolis-based firm Pure Development. Pure specializes in build-to-suit projects throughout the US. Pure is advised and assisted on the BMW project by John Gaskin with Robinson Weeks Partners from Atlanta, Georgia. BMW is represented by Cushman & Wakefield’s Bayne Porter and Matt Jarrett, who lead the firm’s built-to-suit practice group in the Americas.
BMW’s arrival signals continued growth for the City of College Park, which recently added a new Marriott Renaissance hotel to the Gateway Center and a new multipurpose arena opening in 2019 as the home court for the Atlanta Hawks’ Developmental League basketball team.
Jones says the state of Georgia’s largest economic engine is part of the added allure of College Park.
“Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – ATL, located in College Park, with over 104 million passengers annually and climbing, is the most traveled and efficient airport on the planet and College Park, GA is clearly becoming one of the most sought after locations in the world for conglomerates to locate.”
“What an achievement for the City of College Park, BMW and the state of Georgia,” said College Park City Manager Terrence Moore. “This outcome clearly demonstrates the capability and capacity of various partners offering leadership and guidance to enable such a resounding economic development conclusion.”
Moore added that College Park’s BIDA, which primarily serves as the City’s independent real estate Board of Directors, is to be commended for its help in expediting the transaction.
“Georgia continues to see incredible growth in the automotive sector, and this announcement by a top global brand further solidifies our status as a leader in this industry,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “BMW’s strategic investments in the southeast put them at the epicenter of connectivity and surrounds them with many automotive suppliers. Congratulations to College Park on this great win.”