Suburban Atlanta’s Gwinnett Place Mall, founded in 1984, was once a bustling center for commerce, but by 2018 many stores sat vacant in response to shifts in consumer preferences. In 2021, Gwinnett County acquired the property and partnered with the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (CID) to develop a vision for its revitalization. Plans include a dynamic mixed-use development of office and retail space, a cultural arts center, a community incubator, green space, and a mix of housing options to meet local demand.
VHB was entrusted with a pivotal role to spearhead the redevelopment planning and implementation strategy of the site. Community input, market feasibility, and enhanced mobility and accessibility options guided the team’s approach. Through the Gwinnett Place Revitalization Strategy, VHB created an implementation playbook to help attract private investment and explore ways the mall could best serve the needs of the community. VHB crafted two development scenarios that were refined through public and stakeholder input. Our efforts culminated in The Global Villages concept, shaping a comprehensive implementation strategy and action plan. This project aims to create a thriving mixed-use hub that resonates with the multicultural fabric of the community, paving the way for sustainable growth and inclusive development. The redevelopment of this property will contribute to significant tax revenue and economic growth.
