Tyler Perry is making his mark in the city of Atlanta even bigger, expanding his famed Tyler Perry Studios.
On Thursday, the media mogul and Bishop T.D. Jakes got approval to purchase 132 acres at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, 11 Alive reported.
The two leaders will work together to build a new entertainment district for the city that will include theaters, retail shops, and restaurants.
Perry is set to receive 37 acres adjacent to his Tyler Perry Studios, which already occupies 330 acres. T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures group is acquiring the other 94 acres, as noted by Deadline.
“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.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, T.D. Jakes Real Estate Ventures will continue its mission of developing affordable and workforce housing for families in underserved areas.
Atlanta’s Republican governor and Democratic mayor are both in agreement that Perry and Jakes’ recent investment is good for the city of Atlanta.
Governor Brian Kemp called the purchase “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.
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said the purchase “marks another 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,” SHE SAID.
Source: Black Enterprisers
