Former APS school evolving into coworking space, resource hub

If all goes according to plan, a former Atlanta Public Schools building will soon be reborn as a coworking space and resource hub.

Located at 1261 Lockwood Drive in Southwest Atlanta’s Venetian Hills, the former Preston Arkwright Elementary building is on track to serve creatives in the film, music, gaming, and digital media industries.

Since its closure in 2004, the 31,000-square-foot building has sat vacant. However, new plans from digital media and marketing company RYSE aim to create a hub for a variety of resources for content creators to scale their businesses, according to RYSE officials.

Named RYSE Creative Village, facilities will include acoustically treated studio production space for film, music, photography, and podcasting; a virtual-reality studio; a screening theater; and an eSports gaming center.

Additional amenities include a café, co-working space, private offices, and training and event space.

Future plans call for a multi-unit complex on the property with affordable housing for creatives, according to RYSE.

RYSE looks to close on the property—located within a Federal Opportunity Zone, which aims to spur economic growth in low-income communities—in the coming months.

The company already is receiving commitments from companies looking to lease space, per officials.

Plans call for a grand opening in fall 2020.