'SkyHouse' brings needed jobs to Midtown

In light of recent news that in the last five years metro Atlanta has suffered major losses in construction jobs, Midtown has gladly welcomed the groundbreaking for SkyHouse Midtown, a $60 million high rise apartment building that is being constructed on the corner of West Peachtree and 12th streets.

Last week, the industry group Associated General Contractors of America released a survey indicating that the metro region has lost more than 56,000 construction jobs since December 2006. That’s a 40-percent reduction in five years as only five other metro areas nationwide have suffered more construction job losses in that span.

SkyHouse Midtown is a joint venture project between Novare Group and Batson-Cook Development Company. According to a Batson-Cook news release, the company will secure more than 90 percent of its subcontractors from the metro Atlanta area. Altogether, the project is expected to generate approximately 450,000 man hours of work for more than 300 Atlanta residents.

Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart is the architect. Construction is expected to be completed in January 2013.

SkyHouse represents one of the largest private construction projects currently underway in Atlanta and is being designed to maximize its appeal while minimizing its impact on the environment. The 23-story Energy Star high rise will also boast Atlanta’s tallest amenity deck. Sitting 230 feet above street level, it will provide 360 degree unimpeded views of Atlanta’s skyline.

“Our value proposition is high, and we are creating a product with a compelling design and price that not only appeals to Atlantans, but has the ability to be replicated in other markets as well,” said Mark Stewart, Batson-Cook director of investments.