Mass Timber Momentum
Georgia Forestry Foundation Accelerator
Launches First Projects
Launches First Projects
Spring 2025
By Matt Hestad
Since 2018, Georgia Forestry has highlighted several moments in the U.S. mass timber revolution. Since the Georgia Forestry Association’s early policy successes in 2020 focused on modernizing Georgia’s mass timber building codes, the state has seen a boom in mass timber construction. From the iconic T3 building at Atlantic Station to the groundbreaking Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech and the first Georgia-grown mass timber project at 619 Ponce, the state has set a new standard for sustainable architecture.
Today, mass timber is more than just an idea — it’s a movement. With more than 26 active or completed projects across Georgia, architects, engineers and developers are leveraging this material to create beautiful, elegant spaces for Georgians to live, work and play while connecting with nature. And, the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) is at the forefront of it all, propelling the momentum through the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator and a network of educational hubs across the state.
Through hands-on training, collaborative partnerships and real-world applications, the Accelerator is equipping the next generation of builders to embrace mass timber. With a third application round launching soon and key educational events in Savannah, Columbus, Macon, Athens and Atlanta, GFF is laying the groundwork for a future where mass timber defines Georgia’s architectural identity.
Making the Case for Mass Timber
Mass timber has gained significant traction in recent years as a structural solution that aligns performance with sustainability. Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam) are increasingly viable alternatives to traditional building materials. With proven strength, fire resistance and efficient installation, mass timber is well suited for a range of structural applications — from beams and columns to floors and walls.
Beyond performance, mass timber brings added value: reduced embodied carbon, shorter construction timelines and a visual aesthetic that connects occupants to the natural world. It also offers a strategic opportunity to grow demand for sustainably sourced southern yellow pine — one of Georgia’s most abundant and renewable resources.
While the state’s forestry sector has long recognized the potential of mass timber to enhance value chains and address market challenges, widespread adoption has been slowed by early-stage hurdles: design unfamiliarity, limited technical support and first-cost concerns. The Accelerator tackles those challenges directly, equipping developers with the resources and knowledge they need to adopt mass timber with confidence.
Today, mass timber is more than just an idea — it’s a movement. With more than 26 active or completed projects across Georgia, architects, engineers and developers are leveraging this material to create beautiful, elegant spaces for Georgians to live, work and play while connecting with nature. And, the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) is at the forefront of it all, propelling the momentum through the Georgia Mass Timber Accelerator and a network of educational hubs across the state.
Through hands-on training, collaborative partnerships and real-world applications, the Accelerator is equipping the next generation of builders to embrace mass timber. With a third application round launching soon and key educational events in Savannah, Columbus, Macon, Athens and Atlanta, GFF is laying the groundwork for a future where mass timber defines Georgia’s architectural identity.
Making the Case for Mass Timber
Mass timber has gained significant traction in recent years as a structural solution that aligns performance with sustainability. Engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam) are increasingly viable alternatives to traditional building materials. With proven strength, fire resistance and efficient installation, mass timber is well suited for a range of structural applications — from beams and columns to floors and walls.
Beyond performance, mass timber brings added value: reduced embodied carbon, shorter construction timelines and a visual aesthetic that connects occupants to the natural world. It also offers a strategic opportunity to grow demand for sustainably sourced southern yellow pine — one of Georgia’s most abundant and renewable resources.
While the state’s forestry sector has long recognized the potential of mass timber to enhance value chains and address market challenges, widespread adoption has been slowed by early-stage hurdles: design unfamiliarity, limited technical support and first-cost concerns. The Accelerator tackles those challenges directly, equipping developers with the resources and knowledge they need to adopt mass timber with confidence.
Three Projects, One Vision
Each of the three projects selected for the Accelerator’s inaugural round reflects a distinct development type — and a unique approach to integrating mass timber — demonstrating the material’s flexibility across markets and building scales.
501 EDGEWOOD, ATLANTA
NO ARCHITECTURE
Located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, this project adds a four-story mass timber overbuild atop an existing steel masonry structure. The mixed-use design blends timber and steel, serving as a model for sustainable urban infill and adaptive reuse.
“We got involved with [mass timber] because we like the materiality, we like the speed of construction and we like the look and feel of timber. You have all these other benefits plus the carbon story about what timber does and the sustainability story about what timber does,” said Tim Nichols, president of NO Architecture. “I think people tend to want to focus on the sustainability aspects of it, but I think it has all of these other reasons for its use, and I think there’s more of an opportunity for it to become a little bit more demystified and accessible to everybody working in the architecture industry.”
Each of the three projects selected for the Accelerator’s inaugural round reflects a distinct development type — and a unique approach to integrating mass timber — demonstrating the material’s flexibility across markets and building scales.
501 EDGEWOOD, ATLANTA
NO ARCHITECTURE
Located in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward, this project adds a four-story mass timber overbuild atop an existing steel masonry structure. The mixed-use design blends timber and steel, serving as a model for sustainable urban infill and adaptive reuse.
“We got involved with [mass timber] because we like the materiality, we like the speed of construction and we like the look and feel of timber. You have all these other benefits plus the carbon story about what timber does and the sustainability story about what timber does,” said Tim Nichols, president of NO Architecture. “I think people tend to want to focus on the sustainability aspects of it, but I think it has all of these other reasons for its use, and I think there’s more of an opportunity for it to become a little bit more demystified and accessible to everybody working in the architecture industry.”
CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER
WELCOME CENTER, ROSWELL
HOUSER WALKER ARCHITECTURE
Set along the Chattahoochee River, this new welcome center will be constructed entirely from mass timber. The design offers a hands-on educational experience for more than 40,000 annual visitors, demonstrating the strength, sustainability and beauty of Georgia-grown wood.
“Mass timber seems like the ideal opportunity to not only achieve our objectives of having facilities to serve our visitors and our clients, but to do it in the most responsible way that illustrates and educates about our natural resources that we’re blessed with here in Georgia,” said Rick Hirsekorn, trustee at Chattahoochee Nature Center.
WELCOME CENTER, ROSWELL
HOUSER WALKER ARCHITECTURE
Set along the Chattahoochee River, this new welcome center will be constructed entirely from mass timber. The design offers a hands-on educational experience for more than 40,000 annual visitors, demonstrating the strength, sustainability and beauty of Georgia-grown wood.
“Mass timber seems like the ideal opportunity to not only achieve our objectives of having facilities to serve our visitors and our clients, but to do it in the most responsible way that illustrates and educates about our natural resources that we’re blessed with here in Georgia,” said Rick Hirsekorn, trustee at Chattahoochee Nature Center.
1500 WATERS, SAVANNAH
ALGOMA
In Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood, this 18,000-square-foot, four story residential building highlights the role mass timber can play in housing. Designed with regionally sourced southern yellow pine, it advances both affordability and sustainability goals in a fast growing coastal community.
“We’re really passionate about mass timber as a material for its speed of delivery, the aesthetic benefits that you can create … and the sustainability benefits,” said Joseph Bromovsky, CEO and co-founder of Algoma. “We applied for this Accelerator because we wanted to connect with other like-minded people who are excited about this material, excited about the potential for Georgia lumber in particular. And we wanted to create these centers of excellence across the state around mass timber delivery.”
Each project receives a $25,000 grant, preliminary design support, and access to lifecycle carbon assessments. Through partnerships with experts like WoodWorks, development teams are equipped to navigate design, permitting and material sourcing — critical steps for bringing early-stage mass timber projects to life.
ALGOMA
In Savannah’s Live Oak neighborhood, this 18,000-square-foot, four story residential building highlights the role mass timber can play in housing. Designed with regionally sourced southern yellow pine, it advances both affordability and sustainability goals in a fast growing coastal community.
“We’re really passionate about mass timber as a material for its speed of delivery, the aesthetic benefits that you can create … and the sustainability benefits,” said Joseph Bromovsky, CEO and co-founder of Algoma. “We applied for this Accelerator because we wanted to connect with other like-minded people who are excited about this material, excited about the potential for Georgia lumber in particular. And we wanted to create these centers of excellence across the state around mass timber delivery.”
Each project receives a $25,000 grant, preliminary design support, and access to lifecycle carbon assessments. Through partnerships with experts like WoodWorks, development teams are equipped to navigate design, permitting and material sourcing — critical steps for bringing early-stage mass timber projects to life.
Building a Stronger Market: Carbon in the Built Environment
At the heart of Georgia’s innovative approach to sustainable construction is the Georgia Sustainable Development Carbon Registry — a pioneering initiative that empowers developers to quantify and monetize the carbon savings associated with using mass timber in their projects.
Here’s how it works: Mass timber buildings naturally sequester carbon within their wooden structures, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Through the Carbon Registry, developers can accurately measure these carbon savings and potentially turn them into revenue streams.
Once the carbon in a building is verified, developers have the option to sell carbon credits or offer them as a unique amenity to tenants — an attractive proposition for companies prioritizing sustainability and developers who are interested in unlocking value.
Jamestown’s 619 Ponce will be the first building listed on the registry, which is managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The use of Georgia-grown timber and a regional supply chain reduced transportation-related emissions for the project, while the mass timber beams, columns and floor slabs collectively cut carbon emissions by
over 60% compared to a conventional concrete and steel structure of the same size. The building’s net negative carbon footprint — equivalent to removing approximately 300 cars from the road for a year — positions mass timber as a leader in the growing “green tech” economy.
At the heart of Georgia’s innovative approach to sustainable construction is the Georgia Sustainable Development Carbon Registry — a pioneering initiative that empowers developers to quantify and monetize the carbon savings associated with using mass timber in their projects.
Here’s how it works: Mass timber buildings naturally sequester carbon within their wooden structures, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional building materials like concrete and steel. Through the Carbon Registry, developers can accurately measure these carbon savings and potentially turn them into revenue streams.
Once the carbon in a building is verified, developers have the option to sell carbon credits or offer them as a unique amenity to tenants — an attractive proposition for companies prioritizing sustainability and developers who are interested in unlocking value.
Jamestown’s 619 Ponce will be the first building listed on the registry, which is managed by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The use of Georgia-grown timber and a regional supply chain reduced transportation-related emissions for the project, while the mass timber beams, columns and floor slabs collectively cut carbon emissions by
over 60% compared to a conventional concrete and steel structure of the same size. The building’s net negative carbon footprint — equivalent to removing approximately 300 cars from the road for a year — positions mass timber as a leader in the growing “green tech” economy.
Looking Ahead
According to WoodWorks, more than 2,300 mass timber buildings are now built, under construction or in design across the U.S. — and that number continues to rise. With a strong manufacturing base, a renewable resource in southern yellow pine, and growing expertise across the value chain, Georgia is poised to play a leading role in that momentum.
Through the Mass Timber Accelerator and the Mass Timber Hub event series, GFF is helping bridge the gap between concept and construction — while reinforcing the value of forest stewardship and sustainable growth.
For forestry professionals, the implications are clear: greater awareness and application of mass timber strengthens long-term demand for Georgia-grown wood — and secures a more sustainable future for the industry and the communities it supports. ■
Matt Hestad is the senior vice president of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation.
According to WoodWorks, more than 2,300 mass timber buildings are now built, under construction or in design across the U.S. — and that number continues to rise. With a strong manufacturing base, a renewable resource in southern yellow pine, and growing expertise across the value chain, Georgia is poised to play a leading role in that momentum.
Through the Mass Timber Accelerator and the Mass Timber Hub event series, GFF is helping bridge the gap between concept and construction — while reinforcing the value of forest stewardship and sustainable growth.
For forestry professionals, the implications are clear: greater awareness and application of mass timber strengthens long-term demand for Georgia-grown wood — and secures a more sustainable future for the industry and the communities it supports. ■
Matt Hestad is the senior vice president of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation.
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