Fort Gillem’s got a cool history as a busy military base, and now it’s becoming a hot spot for new businesses and jobs.
Big projects like a data center and a film studio are changing the game for the local economy.
There’s some cleanup to do because of old military pollution, which is a bit of a challenge.
All this redevelopment is gonna create jobs, help local shops, and make the area better.
The future looks awesome, with more companies jumping in. If you’re curious, now’s the time to keep an eye on it!
Hey, What’s Up with fort gilliam?
Picture a place that used to be buzzing with soldiers and tanks, now turning into a super cool hub for tech, movies, and businesses. That’s Fort Gillem, a former U.S. Army base just south of Atlanta, Georgia. It was a big deal during World War II, but now it’s getting a total makeover into something awesome. The Last Airbender or the Avatar movies, you must have watched the wielders of the weapons in both franchises and their uniqueness.
In this article, we’re diving into Fort Gillem’s past, how it’s changing, the problems they’re tackling, and what it means for the people around it. Whether you’re thinking of investing, live nearby, or just love hearing about cool projects, we’ve got the full scoop. So, grab a cold drink and let’s chat about it!
Fort Gillem’s Story
A Military Hotspot Back in the Day
Fort Gillem kicked off in 1941 as a sidekick to Fort McPherson, its neighbor up north. During World War II, it was a big deal storing vehicles, fixing stuff, and training soldiers. Over the years, it was home to all kinds of military units, but by the early 2000s{GPa, it wasn’t as important for defense anymore.
In 2005, the government decided to shut it down as part of a big military base cleanup plan called BRAC. By 2011, the Army packed up and left, leaving behind over 1,100 acres of land ready for something new.
Fort Gillem, a former U.S. Army base just south of Atlanta, Georgia, played a significant role during World War II. Now, it’s being redeveloped into a new business and tech hub, with various large-scale projects under way. Learn more about the history of Fort Gillem on Wikipedia.
From Army Base to New Beginnings
When Fort Gillem closed, the nearby town of Forest Park, Georgia, was like, “Okay, what now?” In 2012, they bought the land for $30 million and started planning to turn it into something big. The military was gone, but the land was full of possibilities.
Fort Gillem’s Big Makeover
Dreaming Big for the Economy
The plans for Fort Gillem are next-level awesome. They’re turning it into a major hub for businesses with some huge projects already in the works. For example, Digital Realty is planning a massive 1.9 million-square-foot data center campus in 2025, which could be a game-changer for tech in the area. Then there’s BlueStar Studios, building a $180 million film studio with 18 sound stages for Georgia’s booming movie scene.
Big Projects:
Digital Realty Data Center: A giant tech hub that’s gonna bring tons of jobs and money to the area.
BlueStar Studios: A 53-acre film studio that’s gonna make Fort Gillem a big name in movies.
These projects are set to create thousands of jobs and pump millions into the local economy. It’s not just about jobs, though it’s about making Fort Gillem a place for tech, movies, and industry to thrive.
What’s Next for Fort Gillem?
More companies are jumping in, and Fort Gillem’s future looks super bright. The plans are all about being smart and sustainable, so the area can keep up with modern needs. The data center fits right into Georgia’s growing tech scene, and the film studio is perfect for the state’s movie industry. This isn’t just good for Fort Gillem—it’s gonna boost the whole region for years to come.
Cleaning Up the Past
Dealing with Old Pollution
There’s a lot of potential here, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The biggest headache is cleaning up pollution from the Army days think contaminated groundwater and hazardous waste. Before the land can be fully used, it needs a proper cleanup.
The U.S. Army is handling a multi-step cleanup process, testing soil and water to make sure it’s safe for businesses and people. It’s gonna take a few years, but it’s super important to keep everyone safe down the line.
Tackling the Cleanup Challenges
Even with these issues, the Army’s serious about cleaning up, which is great news for investors. The goal is to make Fort Gillem a clean, green place for the future. For example, the Digital Realty data center will use eco-friendly tech, so the area doesn’t end up with the same old problems. This kind of thinking makes Fort Gillem a role model for other big projects.
How It’s Helping the Community
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!
As Fort Gillem gets its makeover, the local community is gonna see some big wins. The new businesses mean tons of new jobs in all kinds of fields. The data center will bring tech jobs, while the film studio will open up roles in movies and creative stuff. These jobs will give people steady paychecks and help mix up the local economy, which used to lean hard on factories and shops.
Boosting Local Shops
Fort Gillem’s changes are also gonna help nearby businesses. With all these new companies moving in, there’ll be more demand for local stuff like food joints, shops, construction work, and maintenance services. Local business owners are gonna get a big boost, and that’s awesome for Forest Park and nearby towns.
For example, local construction crews might get gigs building new stuff, and new restaurants could pop up to serve all the workers and visitors.
Tips for Investors and Developers
Why Bet on Fort Gillem?
For anyone looking to invest, Fort Gillem is a goldmine. It’s got tons of unused land with huge potential for businesses and industries. Sure, the cleanup’s still going on, but the long-term payoff is massive.
It’s right near Atlanta, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The data center and film studio are perfect for jumping into the tech and movie booms. Plus, the local government often throws in sweet deals like tax breaks or grants for businesses moving in, making it even more tempting.
Risks and How to Handle Them
No investment’s perfect, right? The cleanup could slow things down, and there might be some surprises along the way. But with the Army and Forest Park working hard on the cleanup, investors can feel pretty good about the future. Just do your homework check environmental reports and local rules to keep risks low and rewards high.
Wrapping Up: Fort Gillem’s Bright Future
Fort Gillem’s looking super promising. With Forest Park pushing hard for redevelopment and big projects already kicking off, it’s on track to be a major economic hub. Whether you’re an investor, a local, or just into cool city projects, you gotta keep an eye on this place.
For investors, now’s the time to check out opportunities here. For locals, get ready for new jobs, better roads, and a stronger economy. Fort Gillem’s makeover is gonna make waves in the community and all of Atlanta.
What to Do Next: Wanna know more about Fort Gillem’s changes? Sign up for local development newsletters or check out city planning websites. Look into investment options or watch for new project updates in the coming months!
