We recently spoke with Cornell Holmes, the General Property Manager of Atlantic Station. He’s a seasoned mixed-use real estate professional who has worked in San Francisco, Nashville, San Antonio, and Jackson, Mississippi. Most recently, Cornell relocated from Dallas to Atlanta to oversee property management and leasing at Atlantic Station.
When looking for a home in Atlanta, transit was an important factor in Cornell’s decision and led him to choose a residence accessible to a MARTA station. Now, he frequently takes MARTA from the North Springs station to work at Atlantic Station.
What have you enjoyed most about living in Atlanta?
I’ve enjoyed the topography and the trees–the rolling hills and “city in a forest” have been a refreshing change in comparison to Dallas.
Where do you commute from?
I drive to the North Springs MARTA station, where they offer free parking, and I take the train to Arts Center station. I often walk from there to get to my office, or I take the Atlantic Station Free Shuttle if it’s raining or hot outside. I enjoy the opportunity to get a little exercise on both ends of my commute.
Were you a transit rider previously before moving to Atlanta, or is this a new endeavor for you?
When I worked in San Francisco, I frequently used the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART). I’ve used transit in many cities that I’ve visited as well.
What made you want to use transit to get to Atlantic Station?
I ride MARTA for three reasons:
- Convenience – it’s easy for me to park at the MARTA station and take the train.
- Atlanta traffic – I get to avoid the worst part of commuting by taking the train. When I need to drive to work, I end up working until 7 PM or later to avoid the gridlocked drive home. When I take the train, I don’t worry about leaving during peak hours, and I can leave work when I’m ready.
- Sustainability – it’s the responsible thing to do.
As a new employee at Atlantic Station, what made getting to work easier for you?
When I first started, I was excited to learn that Atlantic Station has a t