Revitalizing Communities Through Adaptive Reuse with Melissa Ahrendt

Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 70

With over twenty years of experience in commercial real estate, Melissa Ahrendt knows what separates stand-out projects from the masses. From unique amenities to diverse retail offerings to community development initiatives, Melissa shares innovative ways to differentiate spaces and deliver lasting value. Melissa discusses her current project, Terminal South, an adaptive reuse development in the historic Peoplestown neighborhood of Atlanta. Thanks to Melissa’s leadership, the project is championing several inclusive initiatives, from ensuring that vendors at the forthcoming food hall and elsewhere are representative of the surrounding neighborhood, to creating a scholarship fund for local students to which tenants will be required to contribute – and Stafford Properties will match! Melissa also provides insight into the evolving landscape of Atlanta, reflecting on changes brought about by historical developments like the Olympic Stadium and the Braves Stadium, as well as the recent surge in multifamily developments in the Southeast. 

Discussed in the Episode: 
Stafford Properties
Bisnow Commercial Real Estate
Terminal South
Peoplestown
Atlanta Beltline
Buckhead
Melissa Ahrendt on LinkedIn

About Melissa Ahrendt:
Currently serving as the Executive Director of Real Estate for Atlanta-based Stafford Properties, Melissa Ahrendt’s career has spanned two decades across many facets of commercial real estate – from the C-Suite, to leasing and property management, to marketing and development. She has played an integral role in the leasing and development of multiple acclaimed adaptive reuse projects including The Shops Around Lenox in the Buckhead area of Atlanta and Wire Park, a former wire manufacturing plant just outside of Athens, Georgia. In addition to overseeing Stafford’s real estate portfolio across the Southeast, Melissa is currently developing Terminal South, an adaptive reuse project that will transform two former warehouses in the Southeast Atlanta neighborhood of Peoplestown into a vibrant social and commercial hub. Melissa is passionate about creating authentic connections between communities and businesses through mindful placemaking, merchandising, and design.

About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!