Page 1 2
Over the past several years, H.J. Russell has been focused on Castleberry Hill. Once an inner-city ghost
town, today it’s a vibrant neighborhood located on the southwest side of the city’s central business
district and within walking distance of Centennial Olympic Park and the new Georgia Aquarium. Placed on
the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, Castleberry Hill has been home to H.J. Russell &
Company since 1960. Guided by Michael’s father, Herman, the company made significant contributions in
transforming the neighborhood through mixed-use development and construction projects such as The
Castleberry Inn, Legacy Lofts, Intown Lofts, The Village at Castleberry, and Paschal’s Restaurant at
Castleberry Hill.
Currently, the company continues its projects in Castleberry Hill and has focused on other intown
locations as well, including a mixed-use project on Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. across from the old
Paschal’s and Phase I of another Westside condo project that will include a CVS and other retail space.
But perhaps the most exciting project related to Atlanta’s intown communities is the Beltline. According
to Russell, "the Beltline will help accelerate urban development in and around the city," Plans
for the 22-mile loop which runs through nearly 45 of Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods includes improvement to
the city’s infrastructure, an increase in the city’s green space, economic development, and vibrant
live-work-play communities. At a recent appearance before a group of Robinson MBA students, Mayor Shirley
Franklin said, "The Beltline is the most obvious long-range plan for the future growth of Atlanta. It
will significantly impact the city in a positive way by connecting neighborhoods, promoting development,
and through increased green space improve our air and water."
Michael Russell shares the Mayor’s enthusiasm for the opportunities the Beltline will bring to the city.
But his excitement for the Beltline is trumped by his passion for the future of the company his father has
built. "I have been able to follow in the footsteps of a great man who has created a legacy that will
forever be a part of Atlanta’s history," said Russell. "I hope to continue that legacy on behalf
of the Russell family and build on the value and impact the company has had on the city and the people of
Atlanta."
 Previous Page | Top
|
