DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson joined community leaders, residents, development partners, and elected officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of Candler Crossing, a $28.9 million development that will bring new jobs, retail opportunities, and improved access to fresh food along the Candler Road corridor.
Located in South DeKalb, the development will feature a 50,325-square-foot Publix grocery store, an 11,200-square-foot multi-tenant retail center, green space, pedestrian walkways, a renovated MARTA bus stop, and affordable commercial space designed to support local businesses. The project is expected to create more than 100 construction jobs and approximately 183 permanent jobs once completed.
The Candler Crossing project began in 2019 when CEO Cochran-Johnson, then serving as Super District 7 Commissioner, first championed the vision for bringing quality retail and fresh food access to the community. Working alongside development partners and County leaders, the project continued moving forward despite pandemic-related delays.
In 2025, DeKalb County’s first Chief Development Officer, Jacob Vallo, helped lead efforts to bring the project to completion, coordinating with the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, Venture South Investments, and multiple County departments.
“Candler Crossing is a full-circle moment for me,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson. “This project represents a promise kept. It will create jobs, improve access to healthy food, and help reestablish the Candler Road corridor as a vibrant destination for residents and businesses alike.”
At the center of the development will be a new Publix grocery store, providing residents with greater access to fresh food and essential goods. The addition comes at an important time for the community following the recent closure of the Kroger grocery store at Belvedere Plaza.
County leaders say the project will help address food access challenges while creating new economic opportunities for residents and businesses throughout the area.
Supported through the Southwest DeKalb Tax Allocation District (TAD), Candler Crossing is designed to encourage redevelopment and investment along key commercial corridors. The TAD’s pay-as-you-go model ensures that reimbursements are tied to new tax revenue generated by completed development, helping protect taxpayers while supporting transformative projects.
More than a new shopping center, County leaders view Candler Crossing as a catalyst for future investment throughout South DeKalb—advancing economic development, strengthening neighborhoods, and improving quality of life for residents.
As construction begins, Candler Crossing stands as a major milestone in DeKalb County’s ongoing commitment to creating vibrant communities, expanding access to essential services, and building a stronger future for all residents.
