ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A vacant lot that was once home to a movie theater on Gillionville Road could become home to 70 affordable apartments.

Grove Creek Ventures, the developers behind Pointe River apartments, want to build the project on the property. The development would include a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, officials said.

The company is reportedly applying for low-income housing tax credits through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

The site has been sitting empty for years. Community member Daniel Farr said he remembers when the area had the Georgia Twin.

“When they tore that down, I thought they were going to build a commercial building, something like that. And it’s just been empty,” Farr said. “Then they built a car wash and tore the motel down, which was a good thing. But nothing’s ever happened with that yet.”

Housing shortage drives project

City Commissioner Vilnis Gaines said affordable housing options in Albany are limited, and leaders have been pushing to add more.

“Right now, in Albany, we do not have enough affordable homes. And that’s something we’re trying to address—and this will help address some of it,” Gaines said. “This location has been vacant for over 20 years, and Albany really needs this project.”

The developers are applying for low-income housing tax credits through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to help finance the project. If approved, construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2027.

Mixed reactions from community

While many would like to see more affordable housing, others say they’d prefer the site be used for something commercial.

Farr said he first heard they were going to build a little strip mall.

“But then it went from that to building the apartments and stuff,” Farr said. “I just think commercial should stay commercial, and residential should be that.”

Albany leaders will consider a letter of support for the development’s bid for state tax credits to help move the project along.

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