Sandy Springs officials approved a lease on October 21, 2025, allowing Summit Coffee to transform the vacant Williams-Payne House into a vibrant coffee shop and events spot. This move brings new life to the 1869 farmhouse, which has sat empty since the pandemic, while generating over half a million dollars in rent for the city over the next decade.
Lease Details and Financial Impact
The agreement sets up an initial 10-year lease for Summit Coffee, with options to extend for two more five-year periods. This setup ensures steady income for Sandy Springs without the city funding any renovations.
City leaders expect the lease to deliver $528,066 in rental payments during the first term. Summit Coffee gets a 12-month rent break at the start to help with challenges like nearby construction and the lack of other retail in the area.
This financial boost comes at a good time for Sandy Springs, which has been focusing on economic growth through projects like the Hillcrest mixed-use development across the street. That project could increase foot traffic once finished, helping the new coffee shop thrive.
History of the Williams-Payne House
Built in 1869, the Williams-Payne House stands as a key piece of Sandy Springs history. It once served as the home for the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, showcasing local artifacts and stories until the nonprofit group disbanded in 2021 after 35 years.
The house sits next to the Heritage Sandy Springs Amphitheatre and event lawn, making it a central spot for community gatherings. Over the years, groups like garden clubs and the Sandy Springs Society have used the space for events, tying it deeply to local culture.
Recent efforts to revive the property included marketing it to over 50 businesses. Summit Coffee emerged as the top choice, partly because its general manager lives in the city and understands the area’s needs.
Preserving this history matters, especially as Sandy Springs grows. The lease requires Summit to respect existing community uses of the nearby green space, like permits for events.
What Summit Coffee Will Offer
Summit Coffee plans to open around June 1, 2026, after about six months of renovations. The shop will run from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, serving a mix of drinks and food to draw in locals and visitors.
Here is a quick look at what to expect:
- Traditional and specialty coffees for morning rushes.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to cover all day parts.
- Alcoholic beverages for evening crowds.
- Ice cream from Summit Creamery at an outdoor spot.
This setup aims to turn the house into a community hub, much like other successful coffee spots in growing suburbs. It could host small events, such as live music in the gazebo, if the city approves permits.
Community Ties and Future Plans
Summit Coffee’s team has strong local connections. General manager Adam Scott and his partner are Sandy Springs residents, which helped seal the deal. City staff stressed the need to honor ties with groups that have long used the house.
For example, the North Fulton Master Gardeners handle plantings around the property. Summit will work with them or manage any major landscaping, while the city covers basic upkeep.
Looking ahead, this lease fits into broader trends in Sandy Springs. The city has updated ordinances to boost food and beverage scenes, like at City Springs. Similar projects in nearby areas show how historic sites can blend with modern business to keep communities lively.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lease Length | Initial 10 years, with two 5-year options |
| Rent Payments | $528,066 over first 10 years |
| Operating Hours | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week |
| Opening Date | Around June 1, 2026 |
| Key Features | Coffee, meals, alcohol, ice cream, events |
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Starting a business in a historic spot brings hurdles. Construction at the nearby Hillcrest development might disrupt traffic and parking during the early months. That’s why the rent abatement makes sense, giving Summit time to build a customer base.
On the positive side, the location near the amphitheatre could lead to partnerships for concerts or festivals. If the park space is free, Summit can apply for permits to host things like acoustic sets, adding to the area’s appeal.
This project reflects a growing trend in suburban areas, where old buildings get new purposes to drive economic activity. In recent years, similar leases in places like Atlanta suburbs have turned vacant spots into popular gathering places, boosting local economies.
As Sandy Springs continues to develop, moves like this help balance growth with preserving history. Residents can look forward to a new spot that honors the past while serving up fresh coffee and community vibes.
What do you think about this new addition to Sandy Springs? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this story, pass it along to friends who love local news.
