Elly Yates-Roberts |
Microsoft is encouraging local community groups in Atlanta, Georgia, to provide feedback on the development of its new Atlantic Yards campus and data centre region in Douglas and Fulton. The project will involve the creation of a new office space, public amenities and infrastructure on the west side of Atlanta.
The company’s growth in the area reflects its commitment to supporting its local workforce and customers, and catering to the city’s growing needs.
Microsoft will partner with local architecture firm Cooper Carry, planning consulting firm APD Urban Planning and Management, sustainability consultant Transsolar and market research consultant Noell Consulting Group on the project. Integral Group will also consult on real estate impact projects and JLL will lead programme management.
In addition, Microsoft will engage with the community advisory council to ensure that the plan addresses business and community needs.
“Our priority is positive, local impact,” said Michael Lawings, senior director of Americas real estate operations for Microsoft. “From the inclusive hiring of local vendors to jobs and affordable housing created for the region, sustainable building solutions, and much more. We are excited at the opportunity ahead of us and look forward to playing a larger role in empowering the local community and growing with the city of Atlanta.”
Microsoft will host three open town hall meetings beginning in June this year to provide Atlanta residents with full transparency and understanding around how their feedback is being used to inform its campus plans.
To further improve the positive impact it is having in Atlanta, Microsoft is also currently offering programmes such as the Accelerate Atlanta scheme, which provides Americans with technology skills. It also provides a programme to enhance technology education and literacy in schools, which has already reached 101 classrooms and 36 schools since its launch in 2016.