ATLANTA—What is really driving the multifamily development boom along the Atlanta BeltLine? How did it start? How did you become involved?

Those are good questions for Tim Schrager, board chairman of the Atlanta Apartment Association. He's also CEO of Perennial Properties, a development and management company specializing in mixed-use commercial properties.

“The reason the BeltLine is so appealing to renters is because of the active, walkable lifestyle it offers,” Schrager says. “The neighborhoods near the Eastside Trail, for example, are truly walkable and one can move around without a car. There are parks, recreation and entertainment all within walking or biking distance.”