Kaiser Permanente announced today that it has acquired seven acres of land in Atlanta’s historic Summerhill community just south of downtown Atlanta, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to improving community health, expanding access, and supporting sustainable neighborhood development.

The $31.5 million land acquisition represents a long-term investment in one of Atlanta’s most culturally significant and rapidly evolving neighborhoods. While this represents a great first step, a construction timeline has not been established. The land could be used for a variety of purposes to improve access to care. Kaiser Permanente will take the necessary time to conduct thorough site and community assessments, thoughtfully engage community leaders and residents, and develop plans that reflect shared priorities. 

This deliberate approach will help ensure that any future use of the site truly supports long-term health, economic opportunity, and neighborhood vitality.

“Health begins where we live, work, and gather,” said Corwin N. Harper, regional president of Kaiser Permanente in Georgia. “This investment reflects our belief that strong communities are essential to good health. We are committed to being a thoughtful, collaborative partner in Summerhill as we look toward future development that supports well-being, access, and opportunity.”

From a clinical and population health perspective, the investment reflects Kaiser Permanente’s holistic approach to health which extends beyond medical care to address the conditions that shape health outcomes.

“As physicians, we see every day how factors like stable neighborhoods, access to resources, and community connection influence health,” said Nkem Chukwumerije, MD, president and executive medical director of The Southeast Permanente Medical Group. “This investment allows us to support the health of the Summerhill community not only through care delivery, but by helping strengthen the environment that makes good health possible.”

Summerhill has experienced renewed growth in recent years while maintaining its deep historical roots. Kaiser Permanente’s presence in the community builds on its broader mission to address the social drivers of health including housing stability, access to care, economic opportunity, and neighborhood infrastructure.

Kaiser Permanente will engage in a deliberate planning process before finalizing development plans for the site. Community engagement will be a central part of that process, with opportunities for input and dialogue as plans evolve.