From left: Jason Reynolds and Laura Cullen, Woodworks; Gloria Camacho and Tim Lowrimore, GFF; John Henson, Welborn Henson (501 Edgewood Developer); Jennifer Rao, Chattahoochee Nature Center; Josef Bromovsky, Algoma (1500 Waters); Amerigo Contini, Ace Real Estate (1500 Waters); Tim Nichols and Steven Fisher, NO Architecture (501 Edgewood); and Matt Hestad, GFF
The Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator has awarded approximately $75,000 in funding to three innovative projects that utilize mass timber in their construction efforts. This initiative, launched by the Georgia Forestry Foundation in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and the Softwood Lumber Board, aims to promote sustainable building practices while showcasing the versatility of mass timber in the built environment.
The selected projects, unveiled on December 5, 2025, include a range of residential, educational, and community-focused buildings. Each project not only highlights the environmental benefits of mass timber but also demonstrates how it can effectively meet modern architectural standards. As part of the Accelerator program, these teams received technical assistance from WoodWorks – Wood Products Council, which supported their design integration.
One of the projects, 501 Edgewood in Atlanta, stands out as a four-story mixed-use expansion that incorporates mass timber over an existing steel masonry commercial building. This approach illustrates the potential for modernizing older structures while adhering to sustainability standards. The project team includes NO Architecture, Equilibrium Consulting, and Welborn Henson.
Another notable project is the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell, which will feature a mass-timber River Welcome Center. This facility aims to enhance community engagement through eco-friendly materials while connecting visitors to the organization’s mission and the surrounding landscape. The design is being crafted by Houser Walker Architecture, with construction led by Gay Construction Company.
The 1500 Waters project in Savannah represents a significant advancement in residential construction. This four-story, 18,000-square-foot building in the Live Oak neighborhood showcases mass timber as a sustainable option for modern housing. The project team, led by Algoma and supported by ACE Real Estate and Aspect Structural Engineering, emphasizes the use of regionally sourced Southern Yellow Pine to align with both environmental and economic objectives.
“This initiative marks a crucial advancement for mass timber construction in Georgia,” stated Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. “The Accelerator serves as a launchpad for innovative design and provides architects, engineers, and developers with the necessary resources to elevate mass timber projects throughout the state.”
Assistant Director for Wood Innovations at the USDA Forest Service, Brian Brashaw, expressed enthusiasm for the diverse range of projects being developed. “It’s heartening to see such a variety of project types utilizing mass timber construction,” he remarked.
The initiative has broader implications for local economies and sustainability. Ryan Flom, Chief Marketing Officer for the Softwood Lumber Board, emphasized that Georgia is setting a standard for how public agencies, industry partners, and design teams can collaborate effectively. “Georgia is illustrating the potential of sustainable wood construction to strengthen local economies, reduce carbon footprints, and create quality spaces for communities,” he said.
The Accelerator program also focuses on creating Mass Timber Hubs in cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, and Athens. These hubs will foster collaboration among architects, engineers, developers, and city planners, further promoting the advantages of mass timber construction.
For more details about the Accelerator, local Mass Timber Hubs, or to subscribe to the Georgia Mass Timber Report, interested parties can reach out to Glo Camacho at [email protected] or visit georgiamasstimber.org.
Established in 1905, the USDA Forest Service is a leader in forest research and sustainable management of natural resources in the United States. More information can be found at fs.usda.gov. The Softwood Lumber Board is an industry initiative promoting softwood lumber products, while WoodWorks provides technical support for wood building design and engineering. The Georgia Forestry Foundation, founded in 1990, focuses on the sustainability of Georgia’s forests and the importance of working forests in the state. Further information is available at gffgrow.org.
