Community
Peachtree Corner’s Town Center Grand Opening draws 4,000 People
On a picture-perfect day, Gwinnett County’s newest city welcomed residents, guests, and dignitaries to celebrate the official opening of the Peachtree Corners Town Center. The event drew more than 4,000 from the community to see the unveiling of the Town Green which had been closed to the public until Saturday’s grand opening.
Residents finally had the opportunity to see and experience the 2-acre Town Green, considered the centerpiece of the 21-acre development. When complete, the development will include 15 restaurants, numerous shops, office space and 73 townhomes adjacent to the Town Green. It was the Town Green that everyone flocked to this past Saturday afternoon to take in the sights, relax in one of the chairs on the elevated teak deck that overlooks the green, listen to music, watch their children enjoy the play structures, and catch up with neighbors.
It was just as city leaders had hoped it would be for this community of over 40,000 – a special gathering place to call their own. “Our vision, simply put, was to create a place where our citizens could make memories together. A place where parents can be confident that their children can play safely while they enjoy music, or a movie, a meal with friends,” said Mayor Mike Mason at the ribbon-cutting.
“And a place where children will grow up remembering those good times. It has been our dream to have a place where the community could come together and make many happy memories for years to come.”
A number of the restaurants opened their doors earlier this year, including Firebirds Wood Fired Gill, First Watch, Marlow’s Tavern, Pokeworks and anchor tenant CMX CineBistro. Several more eateries are expected to open in the coming months including Taqueria Tsunami, Lazy Dog, Uncle Jack’s Meat House and Beard Papa’s, a Japanese-based business that serves up freshly baked pastry shells filled with a variety of custards.
Saturday afternoon began with a ribbon-cutting at the entrance to the Town Green, followed by a Children’s Plaza dedication, and recognition of the city’s Veterans’ Monument that including raising of the flags and pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 575. Later a parade lead by the Norcross High School Marching Band ushered in the community and the mayor and council officially opened the Town Green by activating a multi-jet fountain and tossing out inaugural Frisbees. Strolling musicians, stilt-walkers, balloon sculpture artists, plus an array of food and drink filled the afternoon.
At 8 p.m. American Southern rock band, Atlanta Rhythm Section, took the stage performing well-known favorites including “Spooky,” “Imaginary Lover” and “So Into You.” The grand finale of the evening was a spectacular synchronized drone show that lit the sky above the Town Center to the delight of the audience. The drone show ended with the letters PCTC (Peachtree Corners Town Center).
“We wanted to do something that would benefit the entire community and showcase our city,” said Councilmember Alex Wright during the ribbon-cutting. “I believe we have accomplished our goal.”
History of Town Center
In 2013 the city purchased the 21-acre undeveloped tract of land, one of the few remaining in the city. The property was slated for 267 garden apartments. City leaders thought a mixed-use development was a much better fit for the location and stepped in and offered to purchase the property.
Fuqua Development was selected for the project in 2013, planning began shortly thereafter. Ground was broken in June 30, 2017. The groundbreaking represented a milestone for the young city that incorporated as Gwinnett County’s 16th city only six years ago.