Columbia Residential and Decatur Housing Celebrate Grand Opening of The Link at Columbia Senior Residences

Ribbon-cutting ceremony marked completion of 80-unit affordable housing community for seniors in Decatur

DECATUR, GA – February 13, 2026 – Columbia Residential and the Decatur Housing Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of The Link at Columbia Senior Residences on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 515 East Freeman Street in Decatur.

The Link at Columbia Senior Residences is an 80-unit affordable housing community designed exclusively for seniors aged 62 and older. The five-story, transit-oriented development represents the successful completion of Phase II of the Decatur East community and marks a significant investment in creating new affordable housing for seniors earning 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and below. 24 out of the 80 units are set aside for those with very low incomes at or below 50%, with 17 at or below 30% AMI. The Link at Columbia Senior Residences exemplifies a strong and effective partnership between state and local agencies working together to expand access to stable, supportive housing.

“The Link at Columbia Senior Residences demonstrates what’s possible when public and private partners come together to address critical housing needs in our community,” said Robert Fink, Chief Development Officer at Columbia Residential. “We’re proud to deliver modern, maintenance-free apartment homes that allow seniors to age in place with dignity while maintaining convenient access to transit, services, and the vibrant downtown Decatur community.”

The development features a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with contemporary finishes and modern amenities, including a fitness center, community room, business center, and outdoor courtyard space. Located less than a quarter-mile from the Avondale MARTA station, residents enjoy walkable access to public transportation and connections to the East Decatur Greenway and Stone Mountain Trail. Construction began in January 2024 and was completed in June 2025. The community received Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and is supported by funding from multiple partners, including the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, City of Decatur, Decatur Housing Authority, and DeKalb County.

“Our seniors should be able to access housing that supports independence, accessibility, and long-term stability,” said Mayor pro tem Lesa Fronk with the City of Decatur. “By prioritizing affordability, this development helps seniors stay connected to family, services, and the community they call home.”

“The opening of The Link at Columbia Senior Residences is a powerful example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration and a shared focus on housing equity,” said Larry H. Padilla, CEO & Executive Director of Decatur Housing. “By prioritizing seniors with the greatest housing needs—including those living with disabilities—this community provides stability, support, and a true sense of home for residents who need it most.”

The Link at Columbia Senior Residences comprises 88% LIHTC units and includes Project Based Voucher Assistance through a new 20-year HAP Contract for 24 of the LIHTC units at both 30% and 50% AMI levels. Additionally, 29 units are designated HOME units through a combination of funding from the Department of Community Affairs and DeKalb County, while 10 units are unrestricted market-rate units.

The Link at Columbia Senior Residences (Phase II) builds upon the success of Columbia Senior Residences at Decatur East (Phase I), a 92-unit mixed-income senior community completed in 2018 that remains fully occupied.

Key features of The Link at Columbia Senior Residences include:

• 80 apartment homes for seniors 62+
• One- and two-bedroom floor plans with contemporary finishes
• Full pedestrian access to Avondale MARTA station (less than ¼ mile)
• Connection to East Decatur Greenway and Stone Mountain Trail
• Energy-efficient construction with National Green Building Standards certification
• Proximity to downtown Decatur shops, restaurants, and services

“Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential to the health and well-being of our residents, especially our seniors,” said DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “The Link at Columbia Senior Residences represents the kind of partnership and investment that strengthens our communities and ensures older adults can age with dignity, remain connected to transportation and services, and continue to thrive in the neighborhoods they call home. DeKalb County is proud to support developments that expand opportunity and improve quality of life for our residents.”

About Columbia Residential

Founded in 1991 by the late Noel Khalil, Columbia Residential is an award-winning Atlanta-based developer, owner, and manager of affordable and mixed-income housing. Celebrating its thirty-five-year anniversary in 2026, the company operates in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas with an active development pipeline. It manages 10,000 affordable and mixed-income housing units in some 75 communities. Columbia Residential is a place-based developer and makes a lasting commitment to each community it plans, builds, and services by providing a continuum of stewardship that powers long-term investments. The company’s unique development and property management approach features strong local partnerships and an innovative model for resident services, including comprehensive onsite programming and additional resources provided through strategic partnerships with local entities that foster a strong home life and growth mindset for every resident. For more information, please visit: https://www.columbiares.com

About Decatur Housing

Established in 1938, Decatur Housing (the Housing Authority of the City of Decatur) has evolved from its origins in traditional affordable housing to become a dynamic leader in community development. Today, we are reimagining what housing means—focusing on attainable living options that support economic diversity and strengthen the social fabric of Decatur.

Our mission is centered on expanding access to high-quality, modern, and safe housing that meets the needs of a thriving city. From first responders and educators to young professionals and long-time residents, we are committed to ensuring that those who contribute to our community can also call it home. Through rental and homeownership initiatives, we aim to build more than just housing—we are shaping modern communities where people can put down roots, pursue opportunities, and enjoy a high standard of living at a reasonable cost.

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