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Alliance Residential has finalized the purchase of 22.34 acres on Vernon Rd. in LaGrange to build a 315-unit apartment complex, Prose LaGrange. The first units are expected to be available next fall.

The multifamily development will be located at 1900 Vernon St. near the upcoming Publix shopping center that is currently under construction. The development will share an entry drive with the shopping center.

Prose LaGrange will have one- and two-bedroom apartment units that average 992 square feet. The apartment complex will be the fifth Prose location in Georgia.

The development is not without controversy. Many residents spoke against the development at a public hearing for a zoning change needed to allow for the apartments.

Several residents raised concerns that the 300-plus-unit development would bring an influx of traffic to the already busy Vernon Rd. Others maintained that single-family homes would be better for the area.

Ultimately, the zoning change was approved in February in a split decision with Councilmen Nathan Gaskin and W.T. Edmondson voting in favor of the measure and Councilmen Tom Gore and Mark Mitchell in opposition. Council Member Jim Arrington abstained from voting due to owning property nearby. Mayor Jim Thornton used a rare opportunity to vote to break the tie, voting in favor of the rezoning.

At the time, Thornton acknowledged the traffic concerns, but he said he felt like denying it would hinder development on the west side of LaGrange.

The multi-family development will help provide much-needed workforce housing and prevent workers from having to find homes outside of Troup County. Even some of those opposed to the development acknowledged the need for additional workforce housing.

“The workforce and talent pool available in West Central Georgia are unmatched for a region of its size anywhere in the country,” Alliance Residential Managing Director Noah Randall said in a press release. “Prose LaGrange is well-positioned to serve the over 40,000 people who work in Troup County and the over $2 billion in economic investment initiatives that are planned.”

Plans for the apartment complex include a fitness center, pool, grilling stations, clubhouse, business center and pet park. The units will feature stainless steel appliances, washer and dryers and granite countertops, according to the developers.

The Thread trail is also planned to run through a portion of the complex.

The first units of the development are expected to be finished in the fall of 2023.