Smyrna Council to Buy Emory Hospital Site, Plans Community Destination

The City of Smyrna is set to purchase the former Emory Hospital site on South Cobb Drive, taking control of the property to guide its redevelopment into a community-focused destination. City officials say the move prevents high-density development and ensures the site will serve Smyrna’s long-term needs.

A Strategic Investment

City leaders had discussions with Emory’s representatives after learning the property was up for sale. Early private proposals included 500-600 apartments, but the council quickly rejected those plans, citing concerns about density and the community’s desire for more recreational and mixed-use spaces.

“We were approached by Emory’s brokers a few months ago, and they asked what we thought the highest and best use of the site would be,” Mayor Derek Norton said. “They had some ideas, but a large multifamily development wasn’t something we wanted for this area.”

Instead, the city negotiated to purchase the site and take charge of its redevelopment. While the full plans are still taking shape, officials are exploring opportunities for a public-private partnership to bring an attraction that will benefit Smyrna residents.

A Vision for the Future

Though details are still being discussed, city leaders have floated ideas such as pickleball courts, indoor sports fields, and a multi-use recreational complex. The council is in early talks with potential regional partners to create a space that serves a variety of interests, from youth athletics to senior programming.

“This is a major opportunity for Smyrna,” said Councilman Tim Gould, who represents the district. “It’s a high-visibility area with easy access, and we want to develop something that will be engaging and beneficial to our residents for years to come.”

Shifting Plans for Pickleball

The city had previously planned to develop a dedicated pickleball facility at the former Castellaw Funeral Home site. However, with the Emory site acquisition, officials see a chance to integrate pickleball into a broader recreational project at a larger, more centrally located property.

Instead of a full-scale pickleball complex at Castellaw, that site will now be reserved for future recreational use, with officials exploring ways to incorporate additional courts or other sports facilities in the near term.

What’s Next?

The city’s purchase of the site is just the first step. Next, officials will work on master planning efforts and seek public input on what the community wants to see. While timelines are still being finalized, leaders say the goal is to create a vibrant, multi-use space that enhances Smyrna’s recreational offerings.

More details about potential partnerships and development plans are expected in the coming months. For now, city leaders encourage residents to stay engaged and share their ideas as Smyrna embarks on this next phase of growth.