Gwinnett County has launched a quest for a developer to reimagine the former Gwinnett Place Mall site, envisioning it as a bustling hub for local life where shopping bags once swung. According to a press release by the Gwinnett County, the Urban Redevelopment Agency, partnering with commercial real estate titan CBRE, is seeking proposals to transform the 72-acre site. It's a big move aiming to shake this spot from its retail past firmly into mixed-use and green future.
Transportation options for the site will widen, thanks to the strategically positioned site near major highways and the anticipated Gwinnett Place Transit Center. Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson threw her weight behind the project, stating, “Gwinnett Place Mall was an important cornerstone of our community for decades. This redevelopment will turn the underutilized retail hub into a thriving gathering place for Gwinnett residents, local businesses and visitors alike.” Potential developers are invited to attend an optional pre-proposal conference on October 7, where plans will be discussed for creating community spaces that reflect the area’s diverse character and international flair, as per the county's press release.
In paving the way for this overhaul, the County hasn't idly sat back. Having invested over $49 million in infrastructure, Gwinnett's preparing to support the envisioned dense and walkable mixed-use development. These improvements – from sewer upgrades to road enhancements – are as much about supporting new growth as they are in improving life right now for residents. County Administrator Glenn Stephens expressed confidence in the project, saying, "With our strong financial position, demographics and a supportive community, we are approaching this extraordinary opportunity with commitment and patience as we look to select the right partner to lead this remarkable project," as noted by the same press release.
There's a list of details and criteria that developers will need to meet to win this golden ticket, and it's a lengthy one. CBRE's Vice President Jae Kim believes in the site's great potential due to its "rich history, prime location and large scale," while Senior Vice President Lee Ann Korst emphasized the strength brought by a "strong track record of community engagement." The submission clock is ticking down to a December 16 deadline. Full details of the RFP can be found at the County's website, with instructions for those preferring to dial in virtually or attend the conference in person.
