Landmark vacant building near Spaghetti Junction to get $53M makeover
DeKalb County issued a land disturbance permit allowing developer Aramar Investments to begin a $53.3 million adaptive reuse project converting the vacant 14-story former Presidential Hotel near Spaghetti Junction into 282 market-rate apartments in A
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - DeKalb County issued a land disturbance permit for a $53.3 million redevelopment project that will transform the vacant former Presidential Hotel into 282 market-rate residences near Spaghetti Junction.
Spaghetti Junction tower permit
What we know:
DeKalb County issued a Land Disturbance Permit for the site at 4001 Presidential Parkway near the I-85 and I-285 interchange.
The former 14-story hotel will undergo a complete interior renovation by Atlanta-based Aramar Investments, LLC, to create 282 market-rate apartments.
The existing reinforced-concrete structure has already been gutted in preparation for the complete renovation.
Presidential Parkway site details
By the numbers:
The $53.3 million adaptive reuse project covers approximately seven acres and 150,000 square feet of building space.
Plans include 76 studio units, 150 one-bedroom units, 52 two-bedroom units and four penthouses.
Project estimates show that more than 426,700 vehicles pass the prominent site each day.
DeKalb hotel historical background
The backstory:
Built in 1973 as the Presidential Hotel, the landmark closed in 1987 after 14 years in operation.
It later reopened as the Ramada Perimeter Northeast and operated a ground-floor nightclub before subsequent owners pursued mixed office and residential uses.
The distinctive tower has remained unoccupied for more than a decade.
Community housing leadership response
What they're saying:
"This permit represents meaningful progress toward transforming one of DeKalb County’s most visible vacant properties into a productive residential community," said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
District 1 Commissioner Robert Patrick noted that he has worked over the past six years on solutions for the property, saying, "What was once a significant eyesore at the gateway to DeKalb County along I-85 and I-285 north is ready for a new chapter."
Jacob Vallo, DeKalb County chief development officer, added that redeveloping the property turns a longstanding challenge into a productive asset and demonstrates market confidence in the county.
Next steps for construction
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact timeline for construction completion or when the new residences will open for leasing.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from DeKalb County, who issued a press release detailing the land disturbance permit and project plans.