CEO Cochran-Johnson Delivers on Her Promise to South DeKalb with $28.9M Candler Crossing Project

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the launch of the $28.9 million Candler Crossing development, a transformative project set to restore vitality to the Candler Road corridor, deliver essential services, and spark new opportunities for the community. The project will feature a full-service Publix grocery store, multi-tenant retail space, and public amenities designed to create a walkable, family-friendly destination. It was unanimously approved by the Board of Commissioners. The development will be in District 3 represented by Nicole Massiah, and Super District 7, represented by Dr. Ladena Bolton. 

Venture South Investments was first engaged in 2019 by Cochran-Johnson, then Commissioner of DeKalb County’s Super District 7. In 2020, the Decide DeKalb Development Authority, led by President Dorian DeBarr, joined as a key partner, though progress was temporarily delayed by the global pandemic. Work resumed in 2022, and in January 2025, Jacob Vallo joined as DeKalb County’s first Chief Development Officer and played a pivotal role in helping bring the Candler Crossing deal over the finish line, working closely with Decide DeKalb Development Authority, other DeKalb staff members and Venture South Investments to finalize the project.

Fresh Food Access at a Critical Time

At the heart of Candler Crossing will be a 50,325-square-foot Publix grocery store, providing urgently needed access to fresh food. The development comes at a pivotal moment, as the Kroger at Belvedere Plaza at Memorial and Columbia Drive officially closed its doors this week, leaving residents with one fewer option for healthy groceries.

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