Candler Crossing: Decatur’s New Gathering Place or Just Another Publix?

Decatur is about to see a major transformation at the corner of Candler Road and Glenwood Road.

The $28.9 million Candler Crossing redevelopment just secured $3.8 million in funding from Decide DeKalb—and it’s being called “transformative” for Southwest DeKalb.

Here’s what’s coming to the neighborhood:
- A new high-end Publix (50,000 sq ft)
- 11,000 sq ft of shops + restaurants
- Greenspace + a walking trail
- A renovated MARTA stop
- One retail space reserved for a local business at below-market rent

Construction kicks off next spring, with the first tenants moving in by October 2027. Developers say their vision is to create a walkable, sustainable gathering place that will serve this community for decades to come. What do you think—will this corner of Decatur truly become that gathering place, or just another shopping center with a Publix at the center?