Douglasville, GA, just outside of Atlanta, has become a hotbed of activity in the commercial real estate industry. With its location, infrastructure, and property types, the city is attracting businesses and investors from all sectors. From industrial parks to retail spaces to office developments Douglasville’s real estate market mirrors the overall economy but offers unique growth opportunities.
In this blog we’ll look at the commercial real estate trends in Douglasville, GA, the most active sectors, emerging investment opportunities, and what’s driving the market growth, and also how working with a local real estate attorney can make the transaction smooth and successful.
Market Overview
Douglasville, GA has a diverse commercial real estate market with over 3.15 million square feet of space across 52 properties. The market serves various market sectors including office, retail, industrial, and vacant land. This mix of property types makes Douglasville a player in the Atlanta metro area and attracts businesses that benefit from its location and infrastructure. The dynamics of capital markets also play a crucial role in shaping the commercial real estate landscape in Douglasville.
Office Space
The office space market in Douglasville is growing with 188,179 square feet of office space available. Office buildings in Douglasville are concentrated in Downtown Douglasville for professional services and medical facilities. Office properties are concentrated in Downtown Douglasville for professional services and medical facilities. Flexible space is also in demand with coworking spaces becoming more popular as the work culture shifts.
Retail Space
Retail space in Douglasville is 550,677 square feet with a mix of traditional shopping centers and modern mixed-use developments. The retail sector in Douglasville is diverse, with a mix of traditional shopping centers and modern mixed-use developments. Arbor Place Mall is the hub for big box retail and smaller flexible retail spaces in areas like Woodland Estates are adapting to the changing needs of businesses and consumers. E-commerce has forced retail property owners to rethink space usage. Retail sales in the area have been robust, driven by increased consumer spending and the adaptation of retail spaces to new market demands.
Industrial Properties and Warehouse Space
Industrial is the largest sector in Douglasville driven by logistics and e-commerce demand. The industrial sector in Douglasville has been influenced by rising interest rates, which have impacted borrowing costs and construction projects. 3.32 million square feet of industrial space is available with most of it in McKay Industrial Park. Large warehouses and distribution centers are a big part of it making Douglasville an attractive location for businesses near major transportation hubs.
Vacant Land and Development Opportunities
Douglasville also has investment opportunities in raw land with many vacant properties for sale. These parcels of land are in different zones and can be developed for commercial, retail, or industrial use. Investors looking for long-term growth consider these properties for future projects. There are also opportunities to develop affordable housing, addressing the pressing need for affordable living spaces in the area.
Commercial Real Estate Trends
The commercial real estate market in Douglasville, GA is changing with the economy, business needs, and consumer behavior. Understanding these trends can provide a competitive advantage for businesses and investors. Trends across different property types are emerging with a focus on industrial, retail, and office space. Commercial real estate investors are closely monitoring these trends to adapt their strategies and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Industrial Space in Demand
Industrial is growing in Douglasville mainly driven by logistics and e-commerce. With Atlanta and major transportation routes nearby, Douglasville is a prime location for big distribution centers and warehouses. Properties like Bright Star Logistics Center are examples of this trend where companies are taking advantage of the area’s location for shipping and storage. E-commerce has accelerated the demand for industrial space even more.
Property managers play a crucial role in optimizing the operations of these industrial spaces, ensuring they meet the demands of logistics and e-commerce businesses.
Rethinking the Retail Sector
Retail in Douglasville is changing as consumer behavior changes. Traditional retail spaces like Arbor Place Mall are still home to big box retailers but smaller mixed-use developments are gaining popularity. These spaces allow businesses to combine retail with services, dining, or entertainment. E-commerce is forcing retail property owners to rethink their offerings and focus on creating experiences that can’t be replicated online. This is evident in areas like Douglasville Exchange and Village at Chapel Hill. Despite the challenges posed by e-commerce, retail remains resilient, with businesses adapting to new consumer behaviors and market demands.
Office Space Changes
Office space in Douglasville is steady but changing. Medical offices and general business spaces are still needed, and properties like Prestley Mill Medical Center are still attracting tenants. But with the rise of remote and hybrid work models there is increased interest in flexible office spaces including coworking. Spaces like Cubework and Station Loft Works offer solutions for businesses looking for short-term leases or collaborative environments. This is part of the broader shift in how companies are approaching their office space needs post-pandemic.
Neighborhoods
Douglasville commercial real estate is divided into several key neighborhoods each with different opportunities depending on the type of property and business needs. Industrial, retail, and office spaces are located in different areas so investors and tenants have many options. Different neighborhoods in Douglasville are experiencing varying levels of rent growth, influenced by factors such as location and property type.
McKay Industrial Park
McKay Industrial Park is the main industrial hub in Douglasville. It has some of the largest warehousing and distribution facilities including Bright Star Logistics Center and Riverside Commerce Park. The area’s appeal is its proximity to major highways and access to the overall Atlanta metro area. Businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce are attracted to McKay Industrial Park because of the availability of large-scale, high-tech industrial space. Commercial real estate investors are particularly interested in McKay Industrial Park due to its strategic location and high-tech industrial spaces.
Downtown Douglasville
Downtown Douglasville is the epicenter of the city’s office space. Here professional services, medical offices, and local businesses find convenient locations in the heart of the city. The downtown area has a mix of older, historic buildings and newer developments so there’s something for businesses of all sizes. Its central location and walkable streets make it a great choice for companies looking to establish a local presence. The mix of older, historic office buildings and newer developments provides a range of options for businesses in Downtown Douglasville.
Woodland Estates
Woodland Estates is becoming a retail hot spot. The area has a variety of retail spaces many of which are adapting to the trend towards smaller, more flexible spaces. Businesses in this area are taking advantage of the growing demand for mixed-use spaces that combine retail with dining and entertainment. Woodland Estates is well positioned to capture local and regional traffic making it a great location for retail investment and development. The retail sector in Woodland Estates is evolving, with businesses adapting to the trend towards smaller, more flexible spaces.
Market Drivers
Several factors are influencing the commercial real estate market in Douglasville, GA. From its proximity to major transportation hubs to local zoning laws and infrastructure developments, these are driving demand and shaping the future of the market. The dynamics of capital markets also play a crucial role in shaping the commercial real estate landscape in Douglasville.
Atlanta Location
Douglasville’s location west of Atlanta is a major factor in its commercial real estate appeal. Businesses looking to be in the Atlanta metro area but not want to pay city prices find Douglasville a great alternative. Its proximity to major highways (I-20) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport makes it a smart choice for logistics, distribution, and manufacturing companies. Douglasville’s strategic location provides a competitive advantage for businesses looking to establish operations in the Atlanta metro area.
Zoning and Development
Douglasville’s local zoning laws allow for a variety of commercial property types from industrial and office to retail and mixed-use. Investors have clear guidelines on property usage so they can plan projects that match market demand. Plus there’s undeveloped land for new commercial projects with a focus on industrial parks and mixed-use developments. Zoning laws also support the development of affordable housing, addressing the need for affordable living spaces in the area.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure improvements in and around Douglasville are also boosting the commercial real estate market. Road expansions and public service upgrades are making the area more accessible and supporting larger commercial projects. These improvements are not only attracting new businesses but also increasing property values in key areas. The upgrades are making the area even more attractive to companies looking to establish operations in a connected growing market. Infrastructure improvements are also influenced by economic policies and actions taken by the Federal Reserve.
Investment
Douglasville, GA has commercial real estate investment opportunities in industrial, retail, and office. Its location, infrastructure, and zoning make it an attractive market for investors looking to ride the long-term growth. Commercial real estate investors are actively seeking opportunities in Douglasville due to its growth potential and strategic location.
Industrial Real Estate Investments
The industrial sector in Douglasville has plenty of investment opportunities, especially in logistics and warehousing. With over 3.3 million square feet of available industrial space including large facilities in McKay Industrial Park, the area attracts businesses that need storage and distribution hubs. The rise of e-commerce is driving demand for industrial properties making this a hot sector to invest in. Industrial real estate in Douglasville is poised to benefit from both local and regional economic trends and offers stable returns. Interest rates play a significant role in investment decisions, influencing borrowing costs and overall returns in the industrial real estate sector.
Retail Property Investments
Retail properties in Douglasville have different investment options from large shopping centers to smaller retail spaces. Arbor Place Mall and other high-traffic locations like Douglasville Exchange offer long-term potential for investors as retail spaces evolve to include a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The shift to experiential retail is creating new opportunities for investors who are willing to adapt to changing consumer habits. Smaller retail properties especially in areas like Woodland Estates are also becoming more attractive as businesses look for flexible spaces that can serve local needs. Retail sales in Douglasville have been strong, driven by increased consumer spending and the adaptation of retail spaces to new market demands.
Office Space Investments
Office space in Douglasville is a steady if changing investment. The demand for traditional office space has been supplemented by growing interest in coworking and flexible workspaces. Medical offices, professional service firms, and businesses that need specialized office space are driving demand in Downtown Douglasville. Investors looking at office properties can find opportunities in existing buildings and new developments with the potential for strong returns as businesses adjust to post-pandemic work models. Investors are particularly interested in office buildings that offer flexible workspaces and modern amenities.
Land for Development
Douglasville also has plenty of land for investment. These vacant parcels provide flexibility for commercial use from industrial parks to retail centers. Investors with a long-term view can develop these properties into high-demand commercial spaces. The land availability and zoning make this sector especially attractive to build in the future. There are also opportunities to develop affordable housing, addressing the pressing need for affordable living spaces in the area.
Contact an Experienced Douglasville Real Estate Lawyer ASAP!
Ready to take the next step in navigating the dynamic commercial real estate market in Douglasville? Our team at Hartley, Rowe, and Fowler has the local expertise and legal knowledge to guide you through every aspect of your transaction. Whether you’re looking to invest, lease, or develop commercial property, we’re here to ensure your interests are protected and your goals are achieved.
Contact us today at 678-825-6004!
