Landmark vacant building near Spaghetti Junction to get $53M makeover

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. County officials noted that the construction of I-285 created access problems for the hotel, causing it to fall into disrepair. 

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. "For a developer, it may just be an investment, but for DeKalb County and for our residents, it is an eyesore." 

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. 

Nearby residents also expressed support for giving the vacant tower new life.

"I think it's great. I mean, I'd hate to see that building go to waste," said resident Matt Hunter.

Another resident, Landon Hollingshead, echoed that optimism about the building's potential. 

"It's a beautiful building, and I feel like it's gonna be really good improvement for the area," Hollingshead said. "I think it's going to open up a lot of opportunities, move a lot of good people in."

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, though DeKalb County leaders hope project construction will be completed by the end of next year. 

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