Mayor Bill Dunaway recently presented Atlanta real estate agent Marty Littleton of Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate's East Cobb office with a key to the city of Marietta for his work in the revitalization of downtown Marietta.

Littleton assembled parcels of land, relocated homeowners, and handled many other details to get the project up and running. In fact, Littleton felt so strongly about revitalization efforts in the city of Marietta that he purchased 100 dilapidated duplexes with his own money.

“My grandfather said a true testament to a great man is being a good husband, father and member of the community, one who makes it a better place than when he entered it,” said Littleton.

Littleton invested $14.2 million of his own money to acquire properties in the Magnet Street and Frasier Circle neighborhoods during the past three years and lost $800,000 before he made money. He’s also spent $3.2 million on construction costs so far.

However, Littleton’s dream (as well as his grandfather’s) of making a difference in the community has come to fruition. His revitalization efforts have eliminated the crime and drugs once found in Frasier Park and made it a safe place for many new homeowners.

Mayor Dunaway showed Littleton the city’s appreciation with a key to the city and proclaimed December 14th as Marty Littleton Day. In addition, President and CEO Kevin Levent acknowledged Littleton for his work at the company’s annual awards banquet earlier this month. Levent presented Littleton with Metro Brokers’ Outstanding Industry Award.