Gwinnett's First Hotel Conversion Aids Seniors and Youth

Gwinnett County has broken ground on a $14.5 million project to convert an extended-stay hotel into affordable housing, marking the first such initiative in the county. The development will provide 73 permanent units for seniors and youth aging out of foster care, addressing a critical need highlighted by local homelessness statistics. The Spring Swallow Lodge at 7065 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Peachtree Corners will be fully modernized, offering studio and one-bedroom units equipped with kitchens and energy-efficient systems. This repurposing aims to transform a 'housing of last resort' into an 'affordable option of first choice.'

The project is the result of over a decade of research and advocacy by the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, which identified a significant reliance on extended-stay hotels as a last resort for housing. Gwinnett County provided substantial funding, nearly half of the development cost, with additional support from various foundations and financial institutions. Occupancy for the new units is slated for the fall of 2026, with plans for on-site social services through partnerships with nonprofit providers. This initiative is expected to reduce negative community impacts associated with underutilized transient properties.