Is it “too easy” to build in metro Atlanta?

Matt Bronfman and his company, Jamestown Properties, carry a lot of clout in metro Atlanta and elsewhere for finding creative uses for big development challenges, such as turning City Hall East into Ponce City Market.

Before it was City Hall East, the hulking brick structure on Ponce de Leon Avenue was a Sears Warehouse. Now it's a buzzing hive of tech companies, eateries, shops and apartments. At a recent briefing held by the real estate practice at law firm Arnall Golden Gregory, Bronfman shared some thoughts that aren't typical of many in the development community.

For one, it’s “too easy” to build a building in the region, and that local governments ought to ask more of developers, he said. He also said developers should demand more of themselves in terms of design.

Bronfman, in his talk to a number of influential real estate executives, praised the city of Atlanta for its help in the transformation of Ponce City Market and for the city’s investment in the Beltline. But he also said the development community should raise the bar.

The read more about Bronfman's talk, click here.

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