Clark Atlanta University Highest & Best Use Analysis
Clark Atlanta University
HR&A guided Clark Atlanta University through a comprehensive highest and best use analysis of two prominent campus sites, delivering development scenarios and financial feasibility assessments that positioned the historically Black institution to pursue mission-aligned public-private partnerships while creating long-term wealth for the university and surrounding community.
Recognizing the unique opportunity and responsibility that comes with stewarding valuable real estate assets at a leading HBCU, Clark Atlanta University sought to unlock the development potential of two significant sites while preserving the institution’s educational mission and honoring the area’s rich civil rights legacy. HR&A conducted extensive due diligence and market analysis to understand both the physical constraints and community context surrounding these properties. The team evaluated regulatory conditions, assessed market demand across multiple development typologies, and carefully considered how various approaches would impact both university finances and neighborhood residents.
HR&A’s analysis culminated in a framework of viable development scenarios, each accompanied by detailed financial projections and strategic recommendations for deal structuring. This work empowered university leadership with the data and insights needed to make informed decisions about their real estate portfolio, ensuring that any future development would strengthen both the institution’s financial position and its role as a community anchor. The analysis has positioned Clark Atlanta University to pursue partnerships that align with its values while generating sustainable revenue streams. HR&A collaborated with Moody Nolan, who provided essential physical planning expertise to support the comprehensive assessment.
