Community
Amberfield Community: A multi-part series on communities in Peachtree Corners
One of the best features about living in Peachtree Corners is the winding sidewalks. In the Amberfield Community, its residents have hit the jackpot. For the community that shares The Fields Club with its neighbors of Riverfield, there is no place they would rather be during such uncertain times. The designs of over 450 homes in Amberfield and the amenities they enjoy are constantly evolving for their ever-changing needs. And thanks to the thoughtful planning of land developer Jim Cowart, the residents can better adapt and change with the world around them.
A resident’s perspective
Rhonda Levan, a Realtor for the great city of Peachtree Corners, is one such homeowner. She moved to Peachtree Corners in 1988 from the northeast to attend Emory University, and like most northeastern transplants, she never looked back.
Rhonda started out at North Manor but found her way over to Amberfield because her family wanted a house with extra space so she could take over the family gatherings. Rhonda’s two kids who enjoyed the perks of Gwinnett County’s award-winning school system are now full grown, but Rhonda muses that the house is just too convenient for them to even consider leaving the nest.
Her favorite part of the homes in Amberfield are that the rooms can be repurposed as the needs of the family change. The guest bedroom on the main floor of her home has been repurposed several times already and may even change again. Rhonda maintains that she will never leave her home, she will simply install an elevator when the time comes!
She recently discovered an old price sheet from her early years of Amberfield real estate and had a laugh over the fact that new residents could once purchase a custom home in Amberfield for the mid-200s. But there is more sparkle to the community than just the homes themselves.
Rhonda gushed over the famed sidewalks of Peachtree Corners and the many events that The Fields Club has to offer. She can’t wait to get back to the Halloween parties and bike parades and said she breathes a sigh of contentment when she thinks about being able to go down to the clubhouse with her family and catching up with her neighbors again.
She talked about the time her daughter fell off her bike and one of her neighbors took care of her and brought her back to their home safely. A community that takes care of each other like that is really what brings the most value to the neighborhood.
Putting the real in real estate
Nancy Minor, who has been a Realtor in Peachtree Corners for 34 years, knew that the Amberfield community was going to be special from the moments she watched it first being built. A seasoned veteran, Nancy recalled all the times over the years that the real estate community braced for a housing bubble burst, but Peachtree Corners was never affected like they thought it would be.
She believes that it’s because of residents like those in Amberfield, who keep up with all the latest trends and update their homes to meet modern needs. This is one reason that the market in Peachtree Corners has remained strong.’
Nancy also attributes most of the real estate success in Peachtree Corners to the genius of the late great Jim Cowart. She first met Jim when he used to throw special appreciation events for the real estate agents in Peachtree Corners.
From that point on, Nancy said, she still hears stories about how good a person he was. She even heard a story recently about how a church needed an organ and it was far beyond their budget. So instead of calling attention to it, Jim simply went out and bought the organ; it was waiting in the church the following Sunday. It seems that just like his predecessor, Paul Duke, Nancy knew Jim as someone who “did what needed to be done quietly, to help the community.”
The lasting legacy of Jim Cowart
Jim Cowart was one of the first in the nation to put special care into the entrances of neighborhoods, which is why neighborhood entrances in Peachtree Corners (and throughout much of the U.S.) are now flush with lush shrubbery and flowers. He also took risks with modern suburban architecture while developing the Amberfield community, creating homes that were unlike any others of their time.
Up until that point, Nancy recalls that most neighborhood homes were simply “5-4 and a door,” meaning that homes were always five windows on top and four on the bottom with a door in the middle. Jim was not only a visionary in terms of architecture, but he would personally step in during any neighborhood disputes.
“How many people do you know with busy jobs like that who would get a phone call and simply drop everything and come to the aid of the homeowners?” Nancy asked.
Jim Cowart was strict with his builders and was even surprised himself by the demand for new homes as Peachtree Corners was booming. He kept having to go back to the city and ask for more money and more land to keep up with the needs of the new homes in the Amberfield community.
But Jim’s master plan was in the sidewalks themselves. No other community in the Atlanta metro area has such a well-planned sidewalk system that weaves through each of the surrounding neighborhoods and leads to the YMCA, the river and other amenities.
Nancy was once part of a special committee to fight for the now iconic sidewalk system of modern-day Peachtree Corners. So, thanks to pioneers like Jim Cowart and Nancy Minor, Peachtree Corners will thrive for years to come.
Brian Johnson, Peachtree Corners City manager, boasts of The Fields Club where residents of both Amberfield and Riverfield can come together and enjoy its many amenities including multiple pools, tennis courts, playgrounds and a clubhouse. Members can also enjoy events like live music, movie nights and seasonal festivals.
Brian said he believes that “the character of a community is defined by its social and recreational amenities. And the socializing of both communities is made possible by The Fields Club.”
Like him, the residents of Amberfield are a beacon of what an ideal community looks like, and they spread those ideals every day by simply living that philosophy.
The City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive have partnered to support local non-profit, Because One Matters, at this year’s event.
It’s time again for one of Peachtree Corners favorite annual traditions: The Holiday Glow Lighting and Concert on the Town Green — December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
With live musical performances, trackless train rides, fun holiday activities and sparkling Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings — along with complimentary hot chocolate for guests — this festive, all-ages celebration has become a holiday tradition for many families in and around the city.
Kids and adults can immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere, mix and mingle with neighbors, friends, family and entertainers and experience the magic of the season beneath the night sky and twinkling holiday lights.
Partnership for a special cause
Special for this year, the City of Peachtree Corners has partnered with Intuitive to support Gwinnett County non-profit, Because One Matters, at the event.
The organization provides assistance to children and families in the foster care system through donations and fundraising.
“[The] holiday event … is a good place to partner with companies like Intuitive and non-profits like Because One Matters to get their message out and allow more people to be involved [in helping] a good cause,” said Louis E. Svehla, director of communications for the city.
“Intuitive came to us, wanting to be more involved in the community,” Svehla continued, “We [looked at] a list of all of the non-profits that are [located] in the city or that help assist in ways in the city … and they [chose] Because One Matters.”
A custom-designed holiday ornament
Together, the city, the company and the non-profit decided to partner for the Holiday Glow event and do a limited-edition ornament — custom-made, custom-designed and hand-numbered to 200 — making it available as a gift to anyone who brings an item to donate from the organization’s wish list.
The city designed the ornament with input and agreement from both Intuitive and Because One Matters.
“And now here we are,” said Svehla. “It’s our first time offering a limited-edition ornament for people at the event who donate clothing, toiletries, things that [the organization] needs — it’s not a cash donation. And we’re hoping that we can do this every year, whether it’s a different company or a different non-profit, to do a series of [Holiday Glow event] ornaments to bring companies in, to support locals, to support non-profits and make sure we’re giving back.”
Because One Matters
With a mission of helping children in the foster care system as well as children and families in need, Because One Matters runs a variety of service programs throughout the year.
Their Wrapped in Love Closet initiative provides those families the opportunity to shop for new or like-new clothing items, toys and books, all free of charge. They also provide kids entering foster care with a duffle bag filled with essential items to increase comfort and security during their earliest days of placement.
Foster, adoptive or kinship families who would like to participate in the program, can find information on the Because One Matters website. For individuals, families or local businesses who would like to assist, a variety of donation, fundraising and volunteer opportunities are available.
During Holiday Glow, guests who bring an item to donate from the organization’s wish list will receive one of the special Holiday Glow ornaments in return — a great way to make giving back part of your holiday festivities.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Holiday Glow event and deeply grateful for the City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive’s incredible partnership,” said Andrea Barclay, CEO of Because One Matters. “Their support not only brings joy to the community during this festive season but also helps raise awareness and vital donations for our mission. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact for the children and families we serve.”
The donation wish list
- New underwear for girls (sizes 2T–14)
- New bath towels & washcloths (no white towels, please)
- New boy clothes (sizes 7–18)
- New girl clothes (sizes 2T–12)
- New boys’ boxers (no briefs; sizes 2T–14)
- Bath body wash (for sensitive skin)
- Non-spicy toothpaste
- Single toothbrushes
- Ikea bags
- New girls’ & boys’ shoes (all sizes)
- $50 store gift cards for teens
- Pjs for girls & boys (all ages)
In addition to the food, fun and festivities, the crowd will enjoy live performances from:
- Simpson Elementary Chorus
- Peachtree Elementary Chorus
- Pinckneyville Middle Band
- North Metro Academy of Performing Arts Chorus and Dance
- International Charter Academy Chorus
- Chabad Enrichment Center Chorus
The Town Green offers free parking directly on-site or in nearby parking areas, which are accessible by a short stroll on the center’s nature path. Guests can also access the Town Green via Peachtree Corners’ landmark bridge, which connects to The Forum and the city’s pedestrian and bicycle trail system.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.
Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.
Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”
Supporting the community
“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.
For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.
Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.
“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.
Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.
A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”
A loving memorial
At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.
“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”
A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.
Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.
“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”
A legacy that will live on
As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.
“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.
Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.
To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.
“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.
The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.
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