Microsoft donated 22.5 acres of Atlanta land in 2025; 10 months later, the city is beginning the next phase to turn it into community-focused development tied to a 20,000-home goal
Microsoft donated about 22.5 acres of land in Atlanta in November 2025. It is tied to Mayor Andre Dickens’ wider goal of constructing or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units across Atlanta by 2029. The city is now moving into the next phase of plans for the property located at Quarry Yards in the Grove Park neighborhood. The City of Atlanta and Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUD) will hold a community celebration on September 12 to mark the donation and highlight the work ahead. “The community event, held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, will underscore the significance of the November 2025 land donation and highlight the next phase of work to create community-focused development and expanded opportunities for Grove Park residents,” reads a release from the Mayor’s office, City of Atlanta.
Microsoft donated the Atlanta land in November 2025
Microsoft purchased the Quarry Yards property in 2021 and had committed to reserving about one-quarter of the property for community use. The approximately 22.5-acre parcel was donated to the City of Atlanta in November 2025 through AUD fronts Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Grove Park. The city says its location could help connect residents with nearby community resources, including KIPP Woodson Academy and the Grove Park Recreation Center.The donation is part of a partnership between Microsoft, the City of Atlanta and AUD to turn the property toward uses that can benefit the surrounding community.“This land donation creates an important opportunity to deliver meaningful benefits for Grove Park residents,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.
What will happen to the 22.5-acre property
The city says the next phase will focus on creating community-focused development and expanding opportunities for Grove Park residents. The plans are also expected to support affordable housing, stronger neighborhood resources and other long-term opportunities for the community.The September 12 event will give residents and community stakeholders a chance to learn more about the next phase of work. It will also celebrate Grove Park’s history and the generations of residents who have called the neighborhood home.
How is the Microsoft’s donation linked to Atlanta’s 20,000-home goal
The land donation supports Mayor Dickens’ goal of constructing or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units across Atlanta by 2029. The city says the donation will help advance that goal by making publicly controlled land available for development.AUD’s mission is to use publicly controlled land to create mixed-income communities with amenities and long-term affordability. The organization is working with the city and Microsoft on the future use of the Quarry Yards parcel. “This land donation also aims to help advance Mayor Dickens’ goal of constructing or preserving 20,000 affordable housing units by 2029,” according to the mayor’s office release.That makes the 22.5-acre site part of a much larger housing effort rather than a standalone land donation.
Microsoft says the project is about families and students
Microsoft said the donation reflects a shared effort to strengthen the local community. “Through this land donation, we’re advancing a shared vision for Atlanta that supports families, empowers students, and strengthens local communities,” said Kia Floyd, General Manager of State Government Affairs for Microsoft.“We’re honored to partner with the City and AUD to make this a reality.”
