Cities across the United States are embracing green infrastructure approaches because they offer social, economic, and environmental benefits while addressing water challenges. Green infrastructure cost-effectively reduces sewer system overflows and manages storm water runoff, improves local water quality, decreases the use of potable water, reduces heat-island effects, improves public health, enhances recreational opportunities, increases employment, and stimulates economic growth—all at a lower cost than gray infrastructure solutions alone.
Built in union with AMLI’s City Place project, the 1.5-acre Marie Sims Parks not only serves as much needed greenspace in Buckhead’s urban core, but also serves an environmental purpose, handling excess storm water runoff.
Originally proposed in 2014, the HGOR-designed park and storm water retention feature is integrated in to the AMLI City Place development. The 16-acre City Place development includes 240 units of rental housing – 45% are one-bedroom units, 40% two-bedroom and 15% three- bedroom. The site is divided into two somewhat separate pieces incorporating 180 units in the tower on the west side of the property and 60 units wrapping the parking structure to the east side of the property facing Roxboro Road. There are 423 parking spaces, bicycle parking, a recycling program, pet walk and the development has received LEED Gold for homes certification.
