'Overbuilding Hangover' in Store for Atlanta

According to the Urban Land Institute, there is no need for Atlanta to continue building; currently, there is more than four times more construction going on than there is office spaced being used.

1 minute read

November 13, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

By Judy Chang


"Next year 'promises tough times [in Atlanta] as an overbuilding hangover and slipping demand roil investors,' states the [ULI's annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report], now in its 30th year. 'It's no time to buy in any of the property sectors. Office developers play a game of chicken in Buckhead, where a bloodbath is coming.'

Buckhead absorbs less than 500,000 square feet of office space annually, but more than 2 million square feet is under construction, the report points out.

'The goofy activity defies description.'

The principal author of the report, Jonathan Miller, who lives in New York, addressed ULI Atlanta members Tuesday morning at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

As for the perception that Atlanta is overbuilt, 'given what's going on in Buckhead right now, I think it sticks,' said Miller, who has spent time walking and driving around the city."

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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