Photo courtesy of Instagram
Filmmaker Tyler Perry and megachurch leader T.D. Jakes were recently granted permission to purchase a combined 132 acres near Tyler Perry Studios in Metro Atlanta.
Perry will own 37 acres next to Tyler Perry Studios, a production studio he opened in Fort McPherson, Ga six years ago, reported 11 Alive. The new deal means the Assisted Living
star will retain more than 365 acres.“Today is a good day. I’m grateful for the opportunity this gives Tyler Perry Studios to extend our footprint in Atlanta and create more opportunities for the people of Southwest Atlanta with restaurants, entertainment venues, and other business opportunities,” Perry said in a statement.
T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures group bought an additional 94 acres. The land will be used for retail stores, restaurants and other commercial projects.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with my friend T.D. Jakes on his separate but adjacent project, and I also want to thank Governor Kemp and Mayor Bottoms for their continued efforts to make Atlanta a better place,” Perry continued.
The Fort McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority approved the purchases on Thursday, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The property purchased by Jakes and Perry used to be a military base until it was closed and sold in 2011. Every property on the site has been purchased or placed under contract.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Atlanta, called the agreement a “monumental chapter in the history of Fort Mac. Thank you to Tyler Perry and Bishop TD Jakes for their vision and investment in the Southwest Atlanta community. The positive impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp believes the development deal will be “a real shot in the arm for an important community within the state of Georgia.”
“Significant job creation such as this will create more opportunities for hardworking Georgians and surrounding small businesses, which are the real backbone of our state’s economy,” Kemp added.
Details about purchase prices and closing dates are not available.