The Georgia Forestry Foundation has awarded funding and technical assistance to three innovative projects focused on mass timber construction, aiming to bolster sustainable growth in the built environment. Announced on December 5, 2025, the initiative, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and the Softwood Lumber Board, allocated a total of 75,000 USD to support these projects, which exemplify the versatility and environmental benefits of mass timber.
Details of the Funded Projects
The selected projects include a variety of residential, educational, and community buildings that leverage mass timber’s low carbon footprint. Each project team will also benefit from technical support provided by WoodWorks – Wood Products Council, enhancing their designs to integrate mass timber effectively.
Among the funded projects is the 501 Edgewood in Atlanta, which involves a four-story mixed-use expansion atop an existing steel masonry commercial building. This initiative highlights the potential of mass timber to modernize current structures while adhering to contemporary sustainability standards. The project is led by 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 connect visitors with the organization’s mission and the surrounding landscape while promoting eco-friendly materials in community spaces. The design is spearheaded by Houser Walker Architecture and will be constructed by Gay Construction Company.
In Savannah, the 1500 Waters project is set to create a four-story, 18,000-square-foot residential building in the Live Oak neighborhood. This development will utilize mass timber to establish modern, sustainable housing, showcasing how regionally sourced Southern Yellow Pine can align with both environmental and economic objectives. The project team, led by Algoma, also includes ACE Real Estate and Aspect Structural Engineering.
Impact on the Community and Future Prospects
“These projects represent a significant step forward for mass timber construction in Georgia,” stated Matt Hestad, senior vice president of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. He emphasized that the Accelerator program serves as a launching pad for innovative design, providing architects, engineers, and developers with the necessary resources to advance mass timber initiatives across the state.
Brian Brashaw, Assistant Director for Wood Innovations at the USDA Forest Service, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “It’s encouraging to see such a diverse range of project types utilizing mass timber construction,” he noted.
Ryan Flom, Chief Marketing Officer for the Softwood Lumber Board, highlighted the collaboration among public agencies, industry partners, and design teams. “Georgia is proving what’s possible with mass timber, showcasing how sustainable wood construction can strengthen local economies, reduce carbon emissions, and create high-quality spaces for communities,” Flom stated.
As part of its long-term strategy, the Accelerator program is establishing Mass Timber Hubs in key cities across Georgia, including Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus, and Athens. These hubs aim to cultivate local engagement and collaboration among architects, engineers, developers, and city planners. The initiative will promote awareness of mass timber construction benefits, driving the adoption of sustainable building practices throughout Georgia.
For further details on the Accelerator program, local Mass Timber Hubs, or to subscribe to the Georgia Mass Timber Report, interested parties can contact Glo Camacho via email at [email protected] or visit georgiamasstimber.org.
### About the Supporting Organizations
The USDA Forest Service, established in 1905, leads in forest research and sustainable management of natural resources across U.S. national forests. For more information, visit fs.usda.gov.
The Softwood Lumber Board promotes the benefits of softwood lumber products in construction. More details can be found at softwoodlumberboard.org.
WoodWorks – Wood Products Council is a non-profit organization providing education and technical support for wood building design and engineering. More at www.woodworks.org.
The Georgia Forestry Foundation, founded in 1990, focuses on the sustainability of Georgia’s 22 million acres of private forests. Visit http://www.gffgrow.org for more information.