What's Happening on Railroad Avenue?

The City of Lilburn, the Lilburn Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and RangeWater Real Estate are partnering to transform a former active industrial fabrication and storage site on Railroad Avenue into a comprehensive, catalytic, and community-focused redevelopment with the goal of bringing vibrant economic development opportunities, new housing choices, sustainable infrastructure, and connected public space to Old Town Lilburn.

As of spring 2025, demolition of the site's former structures is complete and sitework is underway. Groundbreaking on construction is slated for mid-May, with the project expected to be complete in winter 2026/2027.

Please stay tuned to this website as updated concepts and plans will be posted as available! Click through the tabs below to view a project video, project information, and construction photos.

UPDATE: Temporary Greenway Trail Closure

Due to construction impacts, a small section of approximately 300 yards of the Camp Creek Greenway is temporarily closed. Please see the map below for details.

Camino—RangeWater’s recent project in Doraville—is a glimpse of what’s in store for Porchline, coming soon to Old Town Lilburn. Thoughtful design, inviting architecture, and a community-focused feel are all part of what residents can expect. While each development has its own unique character, Porchline will reflect the same high standards and attention to detail that make Camino stand out.

Stay tuned as we continue working with RangeWater and the Downtown Development Authority to bring this exciting vision to life in the heart of Lilburn!

Why is this partnership good for Lilburn?

Click the link below to view a presentation on how this partnership will benefit our community.

Why is the city promoting this project?

This project is different from typical private developments because it’s a public-private partnership between the City of Lilburn, the City of Lilburn’s Downtown Development Authority, RangeWater, and others. Unlike private projects, this collaboration supports the city’s long-term vision while delivering public infrastructure—like a much-needed parking deck—that the city could not have accomplished on its own. That’s why the city is actively promoting it: it’s not just a private venture, but a community-focused investment with lasting public benefits.

What is being constructed?

The following components of the redevelopment thrive or fail as one project though they are owned by different entities, both public and private. Implementation on the apartments and the parking deck are underway. The DDA is continuing the search for a developer whose vision matches the City's for the 57 Railroad property.

• Luxury Apartments: RangeWater Real Estate, is constructing approximately 269 luxury apartments. Beyond providing additional housing choices for current and future Lilburn residents, the new development will help create the added customer base necessary to sustain the vibrant restaurant, retail, recreation, and entertainment destinations of Old Town Lilburn. The estimated total of 269 apartments, broken down by type of unit, is as follows:
  • 144 one-bedroom units
  • 84 two-bedroom units
  • 17 three-bedroom units, and
  • 24 studio units.

Click the button below to view an example rendering of the development.

• Public/Private Parking Deck: RangeWater, in partnership with DDA, is building a parking deck with approximately 700 spaces: 400 private; 300 public. The private spaces will serve the luxury apartments, and the public spaces will accommodate park and trail users, restaurant and entertainment patrons, and visitors to all things Old Town Lilburn.

• Redevelopment of 57 Railroad Avenue: The Downtown Development Authority owns 57 Railroad Avenue. It was acquired by the DDA in 2021 for two primary purposes: (1) to relocate an industrial use from the center of Old Town to a more appropriate location; and (2) to redevelop the existing structure into a family friendly, community entertainment and/or dining venue. Interested developers are invited to contact the DDA at development@cityoflilburn.com.

How will the new development fit in?

Much thought has been given to how the new development will fit in with existing and adjacent community features. For transparency, the below site plan has been made available so the community can see the full scope of the redevelopment plans. Also included is an illustration/rendering of the fencing and landscaping that will be provided as a buffer between the development and the Townswalk community.

What About the Schools?

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) anticipates minimal impact on Knight Elementary, Trickum Middle, and Parkview High from this project. The district projects no more than 14 additional students as a result—significantly fewer than the nearby single-family neighborhood, Annsbury Park, which is expected to generate three times that number.