Opportunities for More High Density Startup Buildings in Metro Atlanta

One of the more common questions I get about the Atlanta Tech Village is regarding opening up other locations. My response is always that we’re focused on making our current building the flagship facility for technology entrepreneurs in the Southeast and the country, and aren’t currently looking at any other opportunities. Is there room for more high density startup buildings in Metro Atlanta? Absolutely!

Here are a few thoughts on opportunities for more high density startup buildings in Metro Atlanta:

• Buckhead – I believe ATV will satiate all the demand for open coworking, private rooms, and modular suites for tech companies and startups under 25 people while there is opportunity for another building for growth startups that have “graduated” from ATV
• Midtown – There’s plenty of opportunity in Midtown, evidenced by the ATDC having a waiting list, Hypepotamus being full, and the success of the Biltmore
• Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park – A tech co-working space with plenty of private rooms would do well in Ponce City Market or a place nearby due to all the creative professionals in the area
• Downtown – 200 Peachtree Office is a co-working space in a great location downtown with many amenities
• Perimeter – With a few MARTA stations, GA 400 and 285, as well as a number of tech companies like AirWatch, the necessary ingredients are in place to support a facility with coworking, private rooms, and some modular suites.
• Suburbs – Tech heavy suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, and Norcross should be able to support a small-to-medium sized facility, especially if there’s a public/private partnership arrangement

Overall, there’s an opportunity for a number high density startup buildings in the 5,000  – 20,000 sq ft range. One of the biggest challenges is that a large number of members is necessary to support having a dedicated staff, which is required for a successful community, and that makes smaller facilities often unworkable. I’m looking forward to more high density startup buildings in Atlanta.

What else? What do you think of the opportunities for more high density startup buildings in Metro Atlanta?