Decide DeKalb & Venture South Investments Break Ground on $28.9M Mixed-Use Development
Monday, June 15th, 2026
Decide DeKalb, the leading economic development organization in DeKalb County, and Venture South Investments broke ground today on Candler Crossing, a $28.9 million mixed-use retail development located at 1816 Candler Road in Decatur. The project will bring a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space and pedestrian-focused community amenities to the Candler Road corridor — an area that has long been underserved by quality retail options.
The ceremony drew elected officials, community leaders and development partners to the 7.26-acre site at the southeast corner of Candler Road and Glenwood Avenue, marking the official start of construction on a project years in the making.
Candler Crossing will feature a 50,325-square-foot Publix as its anchor tenant, an 11,200-square-foot multi-tenant retail building, a community plaza, a walking trail, pedestrian upgrades and a renovated MARTA bus stop. One 2,000-square-foot retail suite has been reserved for a qualifying local small business at a discounted rent for 10 years. The project is expected to generate more than 100 construction jobs and 183 permanent positions.
The development is supported by a $3.82 million Tax Allocation District grant from the Southwest DeKalb TAD, approved by the Decide DeKalb board. The grant uses a pay-as-you-go structure, meaning developers are reimbursed only as new tax-increment revenue is generated by the completed project.
“South DeKalb deserves catalytic investments, and today we’re proud to kickstart meaningful activity and progress within the corridor,” said Dorian DeBarr, President and CEO of Decide DeKalb Development Authority. “Candler Crossing will be a destination where people can shop and gather — and do it in a way that brings real economic opportunity to this community through jobs, small business support and smart use of public financing.”
South DeKalb is broadly defined as the communities south of the Memorial Drive corridor.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who first initiated the project in 2019 while serving as Commissioner of Super District 7, called the groundbreaking a milestone she has worked toward for years.
“This is a full-circle moment for me and for South DeKalb,” said Cochran-Johnson. "When I was commissioner, I made a promise to these residents that they deserved access to the same quality services and amenities as any other part of our county. Today, we’re making good on that promise. This project received unanimous support from the Board of Commissioners, and that reflects the strength of every partner who helped bring it across the finish line.”
Construction got underway after years of planning, a pandemic-related delay, and a financing structure that ultimately drew in multiple public and private partners. Jacob Vallo, DeKalb County's first chief development officer, was instrumental in the project's development.
Evan Conder, Partner at Venture South Investments, said the project reflects his firm's belief in the corridor's long-term potential.
"We have been committed to this corner of DeKalb for years, and today that commitment becomes concrete," said Conder. "Candler Crossing is designed to be a walkable, welcoming place that serves this neighborhood for generations. We designed it with the community in mind, and anchoring it with a Publix means residents will have the grocery access they deserve, right here in their backyard."
A representative of Publix Super Markets expressed enthusiasm about joining the Candler Road corridor.
“Candler Crossing is what this community has been asking for, and Publix is glad to answer that call,” said Nicole Maristany Krauss, Media Relations Manager. “We look forward to serving South DeKalb and being a neighbor on Candler Road for years to come.”
Construction is starting in June 2026, with first occupancy expected in October 2027.
