Real Estate Fundamentals are as Close as Your Backyard

When the Atlanta Braves paint a baseball diamond in your backyard for a staff party, one naturally considers how to leverage it into the next world-class, sports-anchored mixed-use entertainment district.

With ticket sales booming and sponsorship interest high, the facility, heretofore known as ‘Pontem Park,’ will be further maximized through the following ways:

1. Control the site and the real estate product types.

This is a well-located, in-town site minutes from commercial activity and with superior highway access. Although there are lovely, single-family homes surrounding Pontem Park, due diligence suggests a 350-unit multifamily building with ground-floor retail and an adjacent 200-key hotel (with a chef-owned, farm-to-table restaurant) will perform very well.

2. Amenitize the property to heighten the fan experience.

My backyard decks are ideally situated for game days. The upper deck will be very exclusive, serving grilled salmon and fancy cocktails. The lower deck is more easily accessible and will serve a variety of domestically canned beers. Additionally, my neighbor’s playground (outside the picture) will be expanded into an outdoor concert venue and activated on non-game days.

3. Improve access through better-connected infrastructure.

Recognizing that local and regional access to Pontem Park is critical, steps will be taken to supplement the existing transportation network. I will provide safer access through widened sidewalks (and sky bridges) for fans arriving through non-motorized modes of travel. Plus, a new transit hub will be adjacent to the property and serve those arriving by train.

4. Find ways to cost-share improvements.

Pontem Park’s desired improvements go beyond its available private capital. So, I will find a JV partner for the residential, hotel, and retail products (while maintaining majority ownership and control.) I will also develop a strategy to collaborate with the city, transit agency, and elected officials to attract government grants. Data will be sourced from economic and fiscal impact analysis. I might even start a Pontem Park Community Improvement District to provide organizational structure and financial support for future public-private partnerships.

Pontem Park’s full potential will return an outstanding ROI to investors and community members. Now…..who can help me book Taylor Swift?