Perfect spot for nursing student

Kelly Hadzick, 20, is a full-time student in the nursing program at Georgia State University. In June she moved into her new home at Renaissance Walk, a mixed-use development in the historic Sweet Auburn community.

Why she was looking: “Rent is expensive, and my dad said he’d rather be paying a mortgage and have something to show for it. I searched for condos close to downtown Atlanta and within a certain price range,” Hadzick said. “When I saw Renaissance Walk on the Internet, I was blown away. It seemed almost too good to be true, but it’s met all our expectations.”

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Photos by Christopher Oquendo / Special

Kelly Hadzick has a bird’s-eye view of the pool from the back balcony of her condo, which is close to her classes at GSU.

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Renaissance Walk is located in Atlanta.

Getting there

Directions from I-75/85 south: Exit 248B (Edgewood Ave.) toward Auburn Avenue/J.W. Dobbs Avenue. Turn left at Edgewood. Take right on Piedmont Avenue. Renaissance Walk is on the right at the corner of Piedmont and Auburn avenues.

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What they bought: “It’s labeled as a small, two-bedroom, two-bath,” Hadzick said. “The smaller bedroom I’m using as my office, and it’s good if I have guests. I have a little balcony that overlooks the pool with a table and chairs out there. I don’t have a dining room table, so my living area just feels bigger, and I eat my meals at the kitchen bar.”

The neighborhood: “The building is right across the street from the old Royal Peacock, and our lobby is decorated with blown-up photographs of this area back in the time when it was a real entertainment center,” Hadzick said. The lower level of the building is reserved for retail spaces like a coffee shop, restaurants and neighborhood services like a dry cleaner. The whole development is seven stories tall.

Perfect location, great building: “I walk to school so I don’t have to pay for parking, and I can leave here 10 minutes before class and get there on time. With the concierge, there’s always someone in the lobby so no one can just walk up to my floor. Our parking goes up to every single floor, so I can drive up almost to my door, and that’s great for bringing in the groceries. There’s a beautiful pool, a rooftop tennis court, exercise room, clubhouse — everything you could ask for. I’ve had nothing but a good experience there.”

Long-term plans: “I hope to stay here when I graduate,” Hadzick said. “My plan is to buy it from my dad and live here. Nursing school is three years and I may work at Grady Hospital when I graduate. I don’t see myself finding anything else in this area that is such a good deal.”

At a glance

Renaissance Walk

Address: 171 Auburn Ave., Atlanta

County: Fulton

Information: 404-521-3008; Renaissance Walk

Price range: $144,000-$600,000

Year built: 2007

Standard features: granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, 9-foot ceilings, terraces or balconies, concrete and steel construction, five-level secured parking deck

Amenities: swimming pool, rooftop tennis court, fitness center, clubroom, concierge, sky viewing deck

Number of units: 161

Square footage: 800-2,000

Association fee: Average 30 cents per square foot covers garbage, gas, pool, tennis court, fitness center

Broker: The Marketing Directors Inc.

Developer: The Integral Group LLC in partnership with Big Bethel AME Church

Schools: John Hope Elementary, Walden Middle, Southside High

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