Pullman Yard project selects development manager

By Collin Kelley

The transformation of Pullman Yard into a mixed-use development has taken another step forward with the selection of real estate development company JLL to lead the project under its adaptive reuse division lead by Rainey Shane.

Atomic Entertainment, which purchased the 27-acre site in the Kirkwood neighborhood last year, plans to turn the parcel of 13 freestanding buildings into film sound stages, a residential component, restaurants, retail, a boutique hotel and creative offices. The site, which has become a favorite filming location for movies like “The Hunger Games,” was originally built in 1904 as a fertilizer plant and later became a train repair for the Pullman Passenger Rail Company.

Shane is no stranger to big adaptive reuse projects: she was a development and construction manger for Ponce City Market.

“Our objective was to identify an expert in the marketplace who possessed the requisite skill set to handle a unique adaptive reuse project,” said Maureen Meulen, partner at Atomic Entertainment. “Rainey’s combined expertise in both commercial real estate development and the arts and entertainment industry made her the obvious choice for our team, and we’re pleased to work with JLL’s new team of adaptive reuse experts to bring our vision for Pullman Yards to life.”

Shane said developers like Atomic Entertainment have adjusted their focus to include the preservation and revitalization of abandoned project sites.

“With so much existing building stock in Atlanta ripe for restoration, the establishment of a dedicated adaptive reuse team enables us to deliver the specialized knowledge needed to successfully restore these buildings while maintaining the city’s original character and historical integrity,” said Shane. “Breathing new life into an existing space is a challenging and rewarding experience, and I’m excited for the opportunity to lead this effort.”