Tapestry in the News
Authority Magazine: Jon Toppen Of Tapestry Development Group - How We Are Helping To Make Housing More Affordable
Affordable housing has shifted from a secondary public policy concern to an urgent crisis demanding innovative solutions, and the expectations for community development are rising.
In an interview published by Authority Magazine, Tapestry Development Group President Jon Toppen explains how the sector is transitioning away from traditional “Section 8” preconceptions toward creative, service-enriched rental models that foster long-term community stability.
Read the full article in Authority Magazine here.
WhatNow Atlanta: $23M Senior Housing Project Breaks Ground in Thomasville
Tapestry Development Group completed the groundbreaking for an upcoming affordable senior housing in Thomasville. Developed in partnership with the Thomasville Community Development Corporation, it will be available to residents earning between 50% and 80% of the area’s median income. The company aims to preserve the historic character of the former school while providing housing for seniors. The groundbreaking was attended by local, state, and federal officials to show support for the project.
According to Tapestry Development Group President Jon Toppen, the project will help meet the need for housing in the area and will honor the site’s history while providing affordable housing to seniors.
Access the full article here.
Thomasville breaks ground on new affordable housing at former Douglass High School
More affordable housing is on the way in Thomasville.
On Monday, local leaders held a groundbreaking on the historic Douglass High School campus, where 52 new apartments will be built. Eighty percent of those will be income-based.
“My family goes back four generations at this school, so it means a lot to me,” Earl Williams with the Thomasville Community Development Corporation said. “I grew up in this community.”
Part of the Douglass High School building has been preserved as a historic site for years, and now classrooms will be turned into apartments, specifically for people 55 and older.
Access the full article here.
Tapestry Development Group and 3Keys Complete Georgia Supportive Housing Institute Program to Advance Welcome House Redevelopment
ATLANTA (March 2, 2026) — Representatives from Tapestry Development and 3Keys recently completed the Georgia Supportive Housing Institute, a five-month intensive program designed to expand quality supportive housing across the state. The Institute, led by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), provides specialized training and technical assistance to teams focused on serving those facing complex housing barriers.
Affordable Housing Finance: People on the Move 1.30.26
Access the full article online here.
Tapestry Development Group Expands Alabama Presence With Partnership of Affordable Housing Expert Marcella Roberts, Esq.
ATLANTA (Jan. 14, 2026) — Tapestry Development Group (Tapestry) today announced a partnership with Marcella Roberts, Esq., an accomplished affordable housing and community development consultant, as a strategic partner focused on expanding the group’s development pipeline and presence across Alabama.
With more than 30 years of experience in affordable housing, community development and government relations, Roberts brings deep regional expertise and longstanding relationships with housing authorities, lenders, municipalities and industry stakeholders throughout the Southeast. Roberts will focus on identifying and sourcing new affordable housing opportunities in Alabama.
Access the full online article here.
Affordable Housing Finance: Georgia Development Brings New Housing Opportunities
A new development conceived by Birge and Held and Tapestry Development Group has brought 192 affordable homes to Athens, Georgia, through the Athens Flats development. The community offers a mix of housing and features a community building that serves as a hub for wellness and education, giving residents access to health classes and programs that promote holistic well-being.
“This development not only provides high-quality, affordable housing but also connects residents with resources and opportunities that support long-term stability and growth,” said Jon Toppen, president of Tapestry Development Group.
Access the full article online here.
Affordable Housing Finance: People on the Move 11.04.25
Read about the latest leadership changes in affordable housing, including Cynthia Prater joining Tapestry Development Group as director of due diligence. With more than 20 years of affordable housing experience, she is well-versed in navigating low-income housing tax credit, HOME and other funding programs. Prater will oversee all due diligence aspects of the development process for affordable housing projects across the Southeast.
Access the full article online here.
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Local affordable housing developer taps first director of due diligence
Tapestry Development Group has appointed Cynthia “Cindy” Prater as its first director of due diligence, effective July 21. With more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, she previously served as vice president of development operations at The Bennett Group in Auburn, Alabama, and has held multiple leadership roles in the field.
Prater will oversee all aspects of Tapestry’s housing development process related to due diligence, including funding applications, property acquisitions and financing coordination. Her expertise will support Tapestry’s mission to create and preserve high-quality affordable housing across the Southeast.
Access the full article online here.
Ion at College Park: A ULI Atlanta 2025 Award Winner
We’re thrilled to announce that Ion at College Park has been recognized as a ULI Atlanta 2025 award winner! This $30 million mixed-use, mixed-income development has transformed College Park’s Main Street corridor, blending historic charm with innovative solutions for affordable living.
The project features the adaptive reuse of a 125-year-old church, now home to 16 affordably priced work/live condominiums, art studios, creator spaces, a café, gallery, and black box theatre—all within just 15,000 square feet. Complementing this is a newly constructed four-story building with 60 residential units, including options for individuals earning 50% and 60% of the area median income.
Ion goes beyond housing by offering nutrition training, financial literacy programs, and wellness events. It also pioneers Atlanta’s first rent-to-buy program, providing working families with a unique pathway to homeownership.
This ambitious project was made possible through a combination of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, private impact investments, and support from Community Development Financial Institutions. The City of College Park also played a vital role, contributing subsidized land and street easements to enhance accessibility.
Ion at College Park stands as a shining example of how thoughtful development can create vibrant, inclusive communities.
Tapestry Development Group Expands Leadership Team with Director of Due Diligence Cynthia (Cindy) Prater, HCCP
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 — Tapestry Development Group (Tapestry) is pleased to announce the addition of Cynthia (Cindy) Prater, HCCP, as director of due diligence. With more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing, Prater brings deep expertise in navigating the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), HOME and other funding programs to deliver quality housing options for low-income families across the Southeast.
“Cindy is such an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Jon Toppen, president of Tapestry Development Group. “Her extensive knowledge of funding programs and proven ability to coordinate complex development processes will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission to create and preserve high-quality affordable housing.”
In her role, Prater oversees all due diligence aspects of the development process, from project concept through stabilized operations, across Tapestry’s affordable housing portfolio. She manages the preparation and submission of all funding applications, maintains and builds relationships with state housing finance staff, development partners, and third-party vendors, and coordinates closing transactions related to property acquisition, construction loans, equity and permanent financing. She also leads the preparation of cost certification documents and the completion and filing of IRS Form 8609 for all developments.
Prater has cultivated strong partnerships with a wide range of affordable housing professionals – including conventional financing institutions, syndicators, attorneys, accountant and nonprofit organizations – throughout her career. She is an active member and past president of the Alabama Women’s Affordable Housing Network and currently serves on the board of the Low-Income Housing Coalition of Alabama.
“I am excited to join Tapestry Development Group and continue my work ensuring families have access to safe, affordable homes,” Prater said. “It’s an honor to support Tapestry’s mission and contribute to the development of vibrant, sustainable communities.”
About Tapestry Development Group
Tapestry Development Group is a mission-driven affordable housing developer focused on creating and preserving affordable homes for low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Since its inception, Tapestry Development Group has been committed to building vibrant communities where residents can thrive.
Forbes: Blight To Bright: Old Mill Morphs Into Economic Engine
Yet, Vizion Driven Communities and Tapestry Development Group successfully turned one such site—the long-abandoned Meritas Mills property in Columbus, Georgia—into Highland Terrace, a thriving mixed-income community.
Once considered an eyesore, the redeveloped site now provides more than 230 quality homes for seniors and families, along with green space, amenities and vital community resources. Phase II of the project even introduced a medical center operated by Mercy Medical and a commercial kitchen designed to support local food entrepreneurs.
The result is more than housing. It’s a neighborhood that integrates health care, employment opportunities, and community support. As Forbes noted, the catalytic impact of Highland Terrace shows what’s possible when vision, collaboration and perseverance come together.
Access the full article online here.
From Eyesore to Engine: Highland Terrace Sets New Standard for Community-Led Redevelopment
What does it take to transform a forgotten, contaminated stretch of land into a thriving, walkable neighborhood? For the team behind Highland Terrace, the answer lies in vision, collaboration and the power of affordable housing as a catalyst for change.
Once the site of a long-abandoned textile mill, 22 acres of blighted property in Georgia have been reborn as Highland Terrace—a two-phase, mixed-income development now recognized as a model for community-led revitalization.
Led by Vizion Driven Communities and Tapestry Development Group, Highland Terrace exemplifies what’s possible when affordable housing goes beyond bricks and mortar to build lasting community impact.
Access the full article online here.
Bisnow: This Week’s Atlanta Deal Sheet
Brian Dollar recently joined Tapestry Development Group as senior project manager and will oversee its development pipeline. Dollar brings extensive experience in commercial real estate, most recently serving as senior vice president at Acruva Community Developers. He also held leadership roles at Atlanta Housing, where he managed major revitalization projects.
With a background in finance and real estate development, Dollar joins Tapestry as it expands affordable housing efforts across metro Atlanta and the Southeast. Since 2010, Tapestry Development Group has developed affordable housing communities throughout the region.
Access the full article online here.
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Decatur Affordable Housing Developer Tapestry Taps Its First Senior Project Manager
Tapestry Development Group has appointed Brian Dollar as senior project manager, effective Jan. 22. With more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, he previously served as senior vice president of real estate development at Acruva Community Developers and held leadership roles at Atlanta Housing.
Dollar will oversee all stages of development for upcoming residential projects, supporting Tapestry’s mission to create and preserve affordable housing. He holds degrees from Morehouse College, Columbia University and the University of Southern California.
Access the full article online here.
Raleigh Magazine: People Are Talking About Raleighites making moves
Britni Grimes recently joined Tapestry Development Group as regional development director. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she brings more than 20 years of real estate experience, including 17 years in the affordable housing sector. Grimes will oversee development projects primarily funded by low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs).
Access the full article online here.
Affordable Housing Finance: People on the Move 1.9.25
Catch up on the latest personnel moves in the affordable housing industry, including the addition of Britni Grimes to Tapestry Development Group as regional development director. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, she brings more than 20 years of real estate experience, including 17 years in the affordable housing sector. Grimes will oversee development projects primarily funded by low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs).
Access the full article here.
Tapestry Development Group Secures $5.25 Million SLFRF Loan for Diamond College Park Affordable Housing Project
ATLANTA, Jan. 2, 2025 – Tapestry Development Group proudly announces the successful closing of a $5.25 million permanent loan, a critical milestone in advancing its Diamond College Park affordable housing development and addressing the community’s growing need for quality, accessible housing. The financing was made possible through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, a part of the American Rescue Plan, and administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Access the full article online here.
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Decatur-based affordable housing developer names regional development director
Tapestry Development Group (Tapestry) has named Britni Grimes as its regional development director, a newly created position. In this role, Grimes will oversee all stages of development for Tapestry’s housing projects funded by low-income housing tax credits. She is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Her impressive track record and passion for affordable housing align perfectly with our mission,” said Tapestry Development Group President Jon Toppen. “We look forward to her leadership and the impact she will have on our projects across the region.”
Grimes has more than 20 years of real estate experience, including 17 years in affordable housing. During her career, she has helped deliver or preserve more than 3,800 affordable rental units and more than 400 single-family homes for low-income families.
“Joining Tapestry Development Group is an exciting opportunity to contribute to its vital mission of creating and preserving affordable housing,” Grimes stated. “I am eager to collaborate with … Tapestry to deliver meaningful projects that empower underserved communities and provide safe, high-quality homes where individuals and families can thrive.”
Access the full article here.
Tapestry Development Group Welcomes Britni Grimes as Regional Development Director
In her new role, Grimes will oversee development projects funded primarily by Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Her responsibilities span the full development cycle, from site selection and deal structuring to construction management and lease-up. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Grimes will play a key role in advancing Tapestry’s mission to create and preserve high-quality affordable housing for underserved communities.
Access the full article online here.
Tapestry Development Group Joins CSH, Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Inaugural Georgia Supportive Housing Institute to Drive Affordable Housing Initiatives
ATLANTA, Nov. 13, 2024 — Tapestry Development Group, a mission-driven affordable housing developer, is proud to announce its participation in the inaugural Georgia Supportive Housing Institute. This initiative, launched by the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) in partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), aims to catalyze the development of affordable, supportive housing across the state. Tapestry joins a distinguished cohort of five teams selected to participate in the Institute, along with additional individual entities representing housing developers and service providers.
Access the full article online here.
Tax Credit Advisor: Solar Energy and Affordable Housing: A Win-Win Partnership
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has significantly impacted affordable housing by offering generous tax credits and incentives for renewable energy projects. These measures are reshaping the sector, delivering substantial financial and environmental benefits. By combining the IRA incentives with affordable housing initiatives, solar energy has become extremely valuable, making the installation of solar panels on affordable housing units more financially viable.
Jon Toppen, president of Tapestry Development Group, and Jared Lang, Owner of Housing Sustainability Advisors, highlight the advantages of solar power in affordable housing. Toppen and Lang explain how the IRA’s tax credits and incentives simplify the process for developers to integrate solar energy into their projects. By adapting solar power, developers can foster more sustainable, affordable and resilient communities for low-income families.
Access the full article online here.
CSH, Georgia Department of Community Affairs announce 2024-2025 Supportive Housing Institute teams
Atlanta, Ga. (October 11, 2024) – Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), a national nonprofit intermediary and Community Development Financial Institution, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) have announced the selected participants in the state’s inaugural Supportive Housing Institute. Five teams and two groups of individual entities representing housing developers and service providers were selected after a competitive application process.
Access the full article online here.
Tapestry Development Group Closes on Bluestone Terrace: A New Affordable Housing Community in Chattanoo
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 23, 2024 – Tapestry Development Group, in partnership with the Alabama nonprofit Deo Volente, is pleased to announce the successful closing of Bluestone Terrace, a new affordable housing development at 7504 Old Lee Highway in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This marks another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to expanding affordable housing options for low-income families in the Southeast.
Bluestone Terrace will feature 64 newly constructed apartment homes, including 16 two-bedroom, 40 three-bedroom and eight four-bedroom units. Designed with the needs of the community in mind, Bluestone Terrace will offer a range of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life, including a community laundry facility, a meeting and media room, a business center, and a service-provider space for financial literacy, health and wellness education, and more.
“We are thrilled to bring Bluestone Terrace to the Chattanooga community,” said Jon Toppen, president of Tapestry Development Group. “This development not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing but also provides supportive services that will empower residents to thrive.”
The project is being financed through a combination of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity and private debt provided by Regions Bank along with supplemental debt financing from United Bank. The Chattanooga Housing Authority has awarded Bluestone Terrace 64 Project-Based Vouchers, ensuring that 100% of the units will be affordable to low-income families for at least 20 years.
Construction is set to begin immediately, with completion expected in late 2025. Bluestone Terrace is part of Tapestry Development Group’s ongoing efforts to create and preserve affordable housing throughout Tennessee and the Southeast.
Sweetwater Ridge II
Tapestry Development Group is leading the ongoing redevelopment of Sweetwater Ridge II, a transformative project located at 452 Cherry Hill Homes in Florence, Alabama. This redevelopment, in partnership with the Florence Housing Authority, is part of a larger initiative to enhance the community and improve living conditions for residents in the area.
Sweetwater Ridge II is the second phase of a revitalization of the property formerly known as Cherry Hill Homes, which featured 172 units. The first phase, Sweetwater Ridge I, was successfully completed in April 2023. This new phase involved the demolition of 54 outdated units and the construction of 56 modern, energy-efficient homes.
Building on this success, Sweetwater Ridge II began its construction in late June 2024 and will see the removal of 62 older units followed by the creation of 72 new, high-quality residences. The project is designed not only to provide updated housing but also to create a more vibrant and sustainable community for all its residents.
Completion of Sweetwater Ridge II is expected by Sept. 30, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Tapestry’s ongoing commitment to affordable housing and community development.
Atlanta Business Chronicle: Indiana firm, Decatur nonprofit to bring affordable housing to Athens
Tapestry Development Group, Inc., Birge & Held, Athens Housing Authority, R4 Capital and Aetna announce Athens Flats, a new innovative community nestled on the vibrant northeast side of Athens. The community will feature 192 residences dispersed across six buildings with one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans.
“This partnership has helped expand Tapestry’s mission to provide affordable housing and serve communities throughout Georgia and the Southeast,” Tapestry Development Group President Jon Toppen said in a press release. “These properties will have an outsized impact on their local communities and this region.”
Access the full article online here.
Tapestry Development Group and OneStreet Residential Proudly Receive 2024 Impressive Rural Development Award
Tapestry Development Group and OneStreet Residential are proud to receive the 2024 Impressive Rural Development award for Sycamore Heights, presented by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at the Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition annual conference. This prestigious recognition celebrates our collaborative efforts in developing Sycamore Heights, a 100% affordable community in Jefferson, GA, for residents aged 55 and above. As the first successful partnership between Tapestry Development Group and OneStreet Residential, Sycamore Heights exemplifies our shared commitment to providing high-quality, affordable housing.
Access more online here.
Marietta Daily Journal: More Affordable Housing Opens in College Park
College Park community members gathered on March 15,2024, to celebrate the grand opening of two new housing complexes, Diamond College Park and Ion Arts. The new facilities made history by becoming Metro Atlanta’s first 100% affordable living complexes. Both buildings were developed in the heart of the city on the College Park First United Methodist Church’s campus as part of the church’s redevelopment program.
“Today marked a monumental occasion as we celebrated more than just a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening ceremony for Ion-Arts and Diamond College Park,” a post from the official City of College Park’s Facebook page said. “We celebrated the heart and hard work of the master-planned development led by Good Places in partnership with College Park First United Methodist Church, Tapestry Development Group, KNGDM Group, and Push Push Arts.”
Access the full article online here.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: College Park opens new arts, housing district
A new development combining “affordable” apartments, market-rate units, artist studios and community space opened in College Park last week, with more on the way. Dozens of elected officials, business and community leaders packed into the tiny PushPush Arts Theater inside the renovated College Park First United Methodist Church, at the corner of Main Street and Harvard Avenue, to celebrate the grand opening of Ion College Park on Friday.
Access the full article online here.
AHF Announces Winners of 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards
Tapestry’s Greystone Apartments received an overall winner in the Affordable Housing Finance Reader’s Choice Awards. It has also been selected as the best preservation project.
View the full article here.