Tara Boulevard Livable Centers Initiative
ARC Visionary Planning Award and ASLA Regional Award
Overview.
The Tara Boulevard Corridor Study encompasses more than 5,600 acres across Clayton County, connecting Riverdale, Morrow, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy. As a major commercial and employment corridor, Tara Boulevard offers significant opportunities for redevelopment, improved multimodal connectivity, and placemaking. The study focuses on transforming underutilized properties, reconnecting neighborhoods divided by the roadway, and leveraging the corridor’s proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and Downtown Atlanta to support economic growth and create a more connected, vibrant community.
Three Nodes.
Tara Boulevard / US 41 is an 11-mile corridor south of Downtown Atlanta, stretching from I-75 to the Clayton–Henry County line. While the corridor shares a common railroad heritage and connection to the Flint River, its character varies significantly along its length. To address these distinct conditions and opportunities, the plan identifies three strategic nodes: Tara Gateway, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy.
Tara Gateway serves as the northern entry point to the corridor from I-75. Its proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport shapes its character as a major commercial and employment hub, featuring medical and industrial businesses alongside established retail centers.
Lovejoy anchors the southern end of the corridor, characterized by its rural setting, emerging residential neighborhoods, and growing downtown. Larger single-family lots and commercial activity concentrated along Tara Boulevard distinguish this node from the more urbanized areas to the north.
Jonesboro serves as the central node of the corridor, characterized by its small-town charm, Main Street-style mixed-use development, and surrounding single-family neighborhoods. Its distinct character provides a transition between the more intensive commercial and employment uses to the north and the rural landscapes to the south.
The LCI Process.
The Tara Boulevard LCI Study followed a four-phase process: Discovery & Analysis, Vision, Framework, and Inviting Success. The study assessed existing conditions and opportunities, established a shared community vision, and developed actionable transportation, land use, and urban design strategies to guide future investment and implementation.
Community engagement was central to the process, bringing together residents, stakeholders, and local leaders to shape the future of the corridor. Engagement activities included an online interactive map, stakeholder interviews, small group listening sessions, public open houses, and workshops. A Project Advisory Group (PAG) provided ongoing input and guidance throughout the study. Together, these efforts ensured that the resulting plan reflected the community’s priorities, needs, and aspirations for Tara Boulevard.
The Framework.
Shaped by community input, the Tara Boulevard LCI vision focused on turning a corridor that divides communities into one that connects them. Leveraging its proximity to the airport, the natural assets of the Flint River, and the distinct strengths of its three nodes, the study established four simple, strategic goals to guide future growth, strengthen connectivity, and unlock redevelopment and placemaking opportunities.
Three Topics, One Vision.
The recommendations of this plan are organized by three topics described below. Each topic is interrelated with the next and serves as the primary topic for each node. For example, the Tara Gateway node will have a focus on (re)development, the Jonesboro city node will focus on connecting its downtown assets to Tara Boulevard and the Lovejoy node with focus on activating public spaces through placemaking strategies to serve its robust population growth. While each node will have a primary topic or focus area, all three topics will guide recommendations for the corridor as a whole as well as each node, creating one unified vision for Tara Boulevard.
Explore each node’s conditions and opportunities by clicking below.
Leveraging its proximity to I-75 and ATL Airport, Tara Gateway has the potential to become a vibrant commercial and employment hub, supported by future BRT and multifamily residential development. Large redevelopment sites and proximity to Southern Regional Medical Center create opportunities for mixed-use development integrating healthcare, wellness, medical offices, and employment uses. Learn More.
Building on the success of Jonesboro City Center, this node has the potential to become a vibrant mixed-use district that complements its historic downtown and established residential neighborhoods. Vacant parcels and developer interest create opportunities for new commercial and residential development, strengthening connections to Tara Boulevard while supporting a cohesive, community-focused district. Learn More.
Fueled by population growth and emerging demographics, Lovejoy has the opportunity to become a vibrant community destination anchored by local businesses and unique food and beverage offerings. An enhanced Community Center and strategic placemaking investments can strengthen community identity, serve new residents, and attract private investment. Learn More.
JFG Cities Role: Urban Design and Strategy, Graphic Design. Project completed in partnership with POND, MXD, VHB, and Hummingbird.
Client: Aerotropolis Atlanta, Clayton County, City of Jonesboro, City of Lovejoy, ARC.
Sponsor: Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC)
Year: 2024