City of Peachtree Corners Receives Excellence in Economic Development Award

The City of Peachtree Corners won a gold category award for its Town Center project in the category of Public-Private Partnerships of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The honor was presented on Oct. 30, 2020 at an awards ceremony during the IEDC Annual Conference.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year’s most influential leaders. Thirty-five award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Awards are judged by a diverse panel of economic and community developers from around the world, following a nomination process held earlier this year. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries.

The City of Peachtree Corners completed a 21-acre Town Center on Peachtree Parkway in 2019, creating a city center and a strong economic driver. Construction of the Town Center stems from the city’s 2013 Comprehensive Planning process, during which residents expressed a desire for a place to gather. At that time, the city was newly incorporated. Citizens wanted appropriate land use, greater walkability and an improved sense of community.

“The Town Center was the community’s first priority and greatest wish after Peachtree Corners became a city,” said Peachtree Corners Community Development Director, Diana Wheeler. “The realization of this project now stands as a testament to the hard work and commitment of citizens who wanted to give this new city a special place to make wonderful, shared memories now and for generations to come.”

A 10-year bond was floated to purchase the property. Opened on April 27, 2019, the Town Center consists of 18,570 square feet of retail space, 51,000 square feet of restaurant space, a dinner theater, 74 townhomes, and a 2-acre Town Green.

With the creation of 28 new businesses at the Town Center, there were more than 210 temporary jobs created in trades such as construction, design and engineering. There were 528 permanent jobs created at the new retail businesses and restaurants, with $16.4 million in expected annual sales and $1.3 million in anticipated annual sales tax revenue.

The city invested $19 million of the total $80 million project.

“The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day”, said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald. “We’re honored to recognize the more than 100 communities whose marketing campaigns, projects and partnerships have measurably improved regional quality of life.”