Transformation on James P. Brawley Drive

Spring 2025 Update

James P. Brawley Drive runs through the heart of English Avenue, a street once marked by widespread blight, decay, and vacancy. A decade ago, Bill Torpy of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) surveyed the corridor and found more than 50 of the 80 standing structures abandoned, dilapidated, or blighted—not to mention the prevalence of vacant lots.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape is changing. Since 2018, oaksATL has restored five single-family homes along Brawley and demolished one additional blighted property. Four of these homes were completed in partnership with Westside Future Fund, and we have another seven new builds and renovations in the pipeline, also in collaboration with WFF’s Home on the Westside Program.

The impact goes beyond buildings. These homes are now owned by Westside-invested residents, including a city firefighter and a school principal, who are not only enhancing the street for legacy residents but are also gaining new opportunities to build generational wealth for their own families.

Recently, Torpy returned to walk the street again and saw the progress firsthand:

"Today, some 45 structures are lived in, most of them new or renovated. Only 16 remain vacant. There are now maybe 35 empty lots, as many of the ruins have been cleared."

Brawley’s ongoing transformation highlights what’s possible when neighborhood residents, nonprofits, corporate and private philanthropy, and the City of Atlanta partner together for intentional restoration. oaksATL is grateful to participate in the renewal of this important neighborhood thoroughfare. If you are interested in learning more about the group project happening on Brawley Drive, you can read Torpy’s article in the AJC here.

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