Demolition at the North DeKalb Mall has commenced, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the former shopping hub into the Lulah Hills mixed-use community. An official ground-breaking ceremony is set to take place this Wednesday at 10 a.m., as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. While the initial phase of the demolition started on Monday, the upcoming event symbolizes the broader redevelopment efforts.
The site's developer, EDENS, has ambitious plans for the 73-acre expanse, which was once a bustling center of commerce, now set for a major revamp. The redevelopment project comes at a cost of $843 million and is supported by $70 million in tax reimbursements from Dekalb County over a span of 15 years—an agreement facilitated by a new tax allocation district approved by the Dekalb County Board of Commissioners last year. According to a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, the first retail spaces of Lulah Hills are slated to welcome visitors next year, with a full opening anticipated in 2026.
Plans for Lulah Hills include the construction of retail and office spaces, residential units, and restaurant venues designed to boost local employment opportunities. DomoREALTY has highlighted the project's emphasis on providing a combination of affordable and workforce housing—10 percent of the homes fall into this category. There will also be 1,700 multifamily units, 100 townhomes, and a 150-room hotel, with full completion targeted for 2033.
Reflective of a growing trend in urban redevelopment, Lulah Hills draws comparisons to similar mixed-use projects like those seen in Alpharetta's Avalon and Halcyon. With an eye toward sustainability and community connectivity, the development will incorporate green spaces and new trails, aiming to integrate with the South Peachtree Creek Trail and provide access to Emory University's campus. This pedestrian-friendly approach seeks to enhance the accessibility and liveability of the reimagined space.
