Historic Transformation And Foundation Vision
The site of The Villages at East Lake was historically occupied by East Lake Country Club's No. 2 Golf Course before becoming the East Lake Meadows public housing project in 1971. In the 1990s, philanthropist Tom Cousins partnered with longtime resident association leader Eva Davis and the Atlanta Housing Authority to revitalize the neighborhood. The East Lake Foundation guided the demolition of the former complex to build The Villages at East Lake as a mixed-income community. Cousins purchased the adjacent golf course and directed tournament revenues and member fees back into neighborhood reinvestment under the Golf With a Purpose initiative. Completed in 2001, the community became the second public housing redevelopment finished in Atlanta following the 1996 Olympics. Between 1995 and 2013, the neighborhood's violent crime rate dropped by 95 percent as part of this comprehensive revitalization.
Neighborhood Housing And Architectural Landscape
The Villages at East Lake spans a footprint at 460 East Lake Boulevard SE that replaced the older brick veneer structures of East Lake Meadows. Designed to replace dense public housing blocks, the modern community features well-kept buildings, duplex apartments, and open green grass. This development was constructed as an Atlanta Housing-sponsored mixed-income and mixed-finance residential model. Porches and open layouts connect residents across various income backgrounds within a shared neighborhood setting. Landscaping throughout the community includes established green trees and preserved open spaces. By incorporating diverse housing types in one neighborhood, the project serves as a national model for deconcentrating poverty.
Local Amenities And Community Landmarks
Residents at The Villages at East Lake are surrounded by community amenities, including a public golf course, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. A state-of-the-art YMCA and an attractive supermarket serve daily recreation and shopping needs within the neighborhood. The community is home to the celebrated Charles R. Drew Charter School, which was established adjacent to the housing development in 2000 as Atlanta's first charter school. Families in the neighborhood also have access to two preschools, childcare options, and early learning services. The educational framework supports a cradle-to-college model designed to promote academic achievement for local children. Programs across the development provide athletic, wellness, and social activities catering to both young residents and older adults.