Project Overview

The Embry Hills-Presidential Parkway & Surrounding Communities Placemaking Strategy is a study sponsored by DeKalb County seeking to strengthen this area’s unique identity through public art and culture. A placemaking strategy guides the development of a place by creating tools and policies to support the vision and goals of the community.

This plan will be developed alongside the community so that it is authentic and locally rooted. It will use cultural and artistic influence to enhance the sense of place.

We Need Your Voice!

Public engagement is critical to the success of this plan. We have created four ways to get involved. Scroll down to participate!

	Online Survey Your voice will help shape the future of this area! Click here to take this 10-minute survey.
	Call for Artists Are you an artist who lives, works, or plays in the study area? Do you have an idea about how art can shape the future vision of this area? We would love to connect with you! Click here to contact the project team.
	Ideas Wall Your ideas can include anything — from transportation and connectivity improvements, to public art, to the types of businesses you'd like to see along specific corridors. Don't hold back — think big! Submit your idea here through our idea wall!
	Community Events The project team will be out in the community multiple times throughout the process to gather community input. Be sure to subscribe to updates on this page to stay informed about public involvement opportunities. Stay tuned for upcoming meeting announcements.
	Past: June 7, 2025 - Our first pop-up was held at Mediterranean Bakery. Thanks to all who came out and shared their thoughts on area needs and preferences for public art. July 28, 2025 - A Business-Focused Community Design Meeting was held at Mediterranean Bakery. This meeting focused on streetscape elements and other public realm improvements. December 15, 2025 - The Cocoa & Community Conversations Pop-Up was held at Embry Hills United Methodist Church. The community weighed in on key priorities for the planning effort and shared location-specific feedback.

At the Cocoa & Community Conversations Pop-Up in December, community members pinpointed locations with unique needs and opportunities.		We interacted with attendees of the American Red Cross Blood Drive, parents picking up their preschoolers, and other neighbors from the area.
What We Heard Were Top Concerns: Slowing speeds on Chamblee Tucker Road Providing space for pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely Addressing code enforcement issues		What We Heard Were Top Priorities: Sidewalks and greenways Public art that contributes to a sense of place Restaurants and retail opportunities

Study Area

This study will focus on the area depicted in green in the map shown below. This area sits near the intersection of I-85 and I-285 and includes a number of community amenities, such as grocery stores and libraries, a number of single family and multi-family residential neighborhoods, and many regional destinations such as Mercer University – Atlanta Campus and Silverbacks Park.

*The study area boundary was expanded in October 2025.

Project Goals

Strengthen the area's unique identity	Celebrate arts and culture	Enhance placemaking	Improve connectivity and mobility

Project Phases

Phase 1: Existing Conditions Analysis

Includes analysis of existing conditions (positive and negative) for transportation and mobility, land use and housing needs, retail and neighborhood services, public art and placemaking.

Phase 2: Plan Development

Includes land use and zoning strategies, placemaking strategies, and development of the master plan.

Phase 3: Project Deliverables

Includes an implementation plan, draft report, and final report.