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The Makings of a Renovation Boom

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my secret garden
My Secret Garden. Photos by Isadora Pennington.

If home is indeed where the heart is, then home improvements and proper maintenance must be the life blood. And as many homeowners in our community have had unprecedented extended time at home between social distancing and remote work, we have seen an uptick in families investing time and money into additions, landscaping and other enhancements to make their time at home that much more enjoyable.

“I researched our permit records and found that in 2020 there were 157 permits issued for residential remodeling. In 2019, that number was 101,” reported Peachtree Corners Community Development Director Diana Wheeler. “And five years prior, in 2015, there were 99 residential remodeling permits issued. These numbers indicate that in 2020, residential remodeling increased about 50% over previous years.”

For those of us looking to freshen things up this spring, there are numerous local businesses doing great work in the area. We have collected a sampling of those here.

My Secret Garden

My Secret Garden lets you dream about big plans for your next gardening or landscaping project. This boutique garden center services the Peachtree Corners and Norcross area with a variety of plants, trees, custom design services and more.

My Secret Garden Owner Sonya Harrison. Photo by Isadora Pennington.

Owner Sonya Harrison’s love and loyalty to all things green is evident as she speaks about her work and the current increase in landscaping installations she has seen.

“It’s mostly people who want to enjoy their backyard, not as many front yards. People want to sit on their patio, enjoy their backyard or what they see out of their kitchen window, living room or screened-in porch. So, I would say it is definitely more focused on the backyard, so they can cook out and be with their family,” Harrison said.

For anyone wondering what to plant this year, My Secret Garden presents countless choices. They’ve completed their annual yard sale on March 13, but there are always plenty of lovely plants available for purchase.

My Secret Garden. Photo by Isadora Pennington.

“Being born and bred in Georgia, I am a firm believer that you can never have too many hydrangeas in your yard,” Harrison said. “I love hydrangeas, especially multi-blooming hydrangeas. The traditional hydrangeas only bloom once and then they’re done for the summer.”

Other favorites include azaleas, for their color, and gardenias, for their heavenly smell. But there is a little something for every gardener to keep their thumbs green. For more information, visit mysecretgardenga.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Premier HVAC

Heating and cooling are commodities that we might take for granted until the air goes out in the heat of summer and we need blessed relief.

Premier HVAC is a second-generation family-owned business located in Peachtree Corners and operated by Peachtree Corners residents. Jackie West serves as the Director of Operations, while her husband Steve West drives the professional expertise necessary to provide exceptional HVAC service.

Premier HVAC owner Steve West and his son Grayson.

“We have seen an uptick in people replacing their units and things like that because they have a more flexible schedule at home, and don’t have to take time off work to meet with the estimator, to see what they have in their homes, to suggest new products, new systems or options on what they might want,” Jackie West said.

“We actually did more service last year then we did replacements, because of the pandemic, because people didn’t have $3,000 to $6,000 to replace a unit unless absolutely necessary, because that is a big expense,” Jacki said.

Premier HVAC services most makes and models of HVAC systems. To learn more, call 770-696-4189 or visit premierhvaccorp.com.

Peachtree Corners Remodeling

Owner Todd Hudson has been in the interior remodeling business with Peachtree Corners Remodeling for a long time, and he has certainly noticed growth recently as kitchen and bathroom projects continue to fill up his schedule.

A recent remodeling job by Peachtree Corners Remodeling (photo courtesy of Todd Hudson)

“This has been my best year by far, with 20+ years of doing this kind of work. I’m booked into June,” Hudson said. “I attribute it to people wanting to live in Peachtree Corners and there is no inventory of houses, so they improve what they already have.”

For more info about Peachtree Corners Remodeling, visit ptcornersremodeling.com or call 770-873-9245.

Renovation Solutions

Operating out of nearby Suwannee, Renovation Solutions covers all manner of renovation work related to home improvement, landscaping, handyman services, welding and fencing. Renovation Solutions Owner Mario Fuentes has been around the block a few times, even working on two televised HGTV projects over the course of his 15-year career (while he worked for other businesses).

“I have been busy, busy, busy. In January — when everybody is slow, and this year the most, but especially this January and February — I have seen more business,” Fuentes said.

Fuentes mentioned recent work in commercial spaces, working on lobbies in hospitals. He also mentioned patio work and room renovation, focusing on homeowners’ desires to drive up house values.

“People are mainly concerned about how much it is going to bring the house value up. There are some things that will definitely bring value,” Fuentes said.

More information on Renovations Solutions can be found at renovationsolutionsrs.com or by calling 770-376-5384.

EV Remodeling

EV Remodeling serves the Greater Atlanta area but has made Peachtree Corners its home base. The business’ primary service offerings are home additions and deck repair and construction, as well as kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

Owner Eli Vaknin noted an increase in calls about kitchen remodels, as well as patio and deck builds or improvements. He attributed this increase, in part, to more homeowners working in the home and noticing things they would like to change.

Eli Vaknin

“I see a lot of outdoor living and also a lot of office additions, renovating existing space and turning it into an office or finishing part of a basement to turn it into an office,” he said.

Vaknin has noticed an “increase in volume” of kitchen and bathroom remodels “because people aren’t traveling as much, going out as much, so they are going to use that money on that ‘ugly’ kitchen they have been cooking in for a year because they couldn’t go to restaurants.”

EV Remodeling has received the “Best of Houzz” service award for the last five years, since 2016. For details, go to evremodelinginc.com or call 678-822-7573.

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Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

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A group of award winners in front of a Partnership Gwinnett sign

Tim Perry, managing director and chief investment officer of Jamestown named Redevelopment Champion of the Year

The Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS), presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, offered an exclusive look at major redevelopment projects shaping the future of the region.

This year’s event not only highlighted emerging trends in the redevelopment industry but also provided valuable networking opportunities for professionals across metro Atlanta. Attendees gained insight into best practices through discussions on successful revitalization projects.

The summit’s marquee moment was the presentation of the annual MARS Awards, recognizing remarkable achievements in redevelopment that are transforming the metro Atlanta landscape.

The keynote address was delivered by Joe Minicozzi, a renowned urban planner and founder of Urban3, who shared his expertise on land use, urban design and economics. In addition to the keynote, the event featured dynamic panel discussions with local leaders and key partners from across the metropolitan area, spotlighting successful projects and innovative strategies in the region.

Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson concluded the summit with closing remarks, emphasizing the continued growth of the region and the collective efforts driving its future.

2024 MARS Awards winners

The MARS Awards ceremony celebrated projects that have made significant economic impacts on their communities and honored Tim Perry, an individual who has dedicated his career to advancing successful redevelopment initiatives.

Runner upPaul Radford, Sugar Hill city manager


Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Historic Jones Building

The historic Jones Building, one of the oldest structures in Cherokee County, has been revitalized to meet modern needs while preserving its storied past. This ambitious 28-month restoration culminated in August 2024, breathing new life into this cornerstone of downtown Canton and creating a dynamic space for work, dining, and play.

Runner up: The Hands of Christ Duluth Co-Op


Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove at Towne Center is a transformative development in the heart of Snellville. With 33,000 square feet of restaurant space, 10,000 square feet of retail and the new Elizabeth H. Williams Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library, The Grove offers an ideal blend of dining, shopping and cultural experiences.

Runner up: Springside Powder Springs


Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Works

The Works is an innovative, 80-acre adaptive reuse community that reimagines a historic warehouse district in Atlanta’s Upper Westside. The first phase, spanning 27 acres, introduced a dynamic mix of 218,000 square feet of unique retail and dining spaces, 118,000 square feet of creative office space and Westbound at The Works — a modern 306-unit multi-family residence.

Runner up: The Forum at Peachtree Corners

“Community redevelopment is essential in creating vibrant, thriving spaces that enhance the quality of life and drive sustainable economic growth for the entire region,” said Deven Cason, vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett.

“We proudly congratulate this year’s award winners and finalists for their innovative contributions and tireless efforts in revitalizing our communities. Their work is not only reshaping local landscapes but also fueling long-term economic prosperity in metro Atlanta. We are grateful for their dedication to building a brighter, more prosperous future.”

2024 sponsors

The program was held at the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, Maison6405, and welcomed more than 200 industry attendees.

Sponsors included Evermore CID, Gateway 85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, C2H Air, Hogan Construction, Northside, Primerica, The Forum, Gas South, Jackson EMC, Select Fulton, True North 400, ABEV Power Solutions, City of Suwanee, Curiosity Labs, Geo Hydro Engineers, Georgia Power, Lose Designs, City of Lawrenceville, City of Norcross, City of Peachtree Corners, City of Sugar Hill and Town of Braselton.

For more information on revitalization and redevelopment efforts in the region, visit partnershipgwinnett.com.

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Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

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group of people in a warehouse with two men in front shaking hands

The strategic acquisition strengthens TransPak’s Southeast presence and expands their capabilities in custom packaging for military, aerospace and high-value equipment.

TransPak, a global leader in logistics, packaging and crating services, recently announced the acquisition of Reid Packaging, a long-standing provider of custom packaging solutions based in Peachtree Corners. Both family-owned and operated companies share a deep-rooted commitment to quality craftsmanship, reliability and customer service, making the acquisition a natural fit.

Reid Packaging, founded in 1982, has distinguished itself as the go-to customer industrial packager in the metro Atlanta region, providing corrugated, foam and custom-engineered crating solutions, particularly in the military and aerospace industries. 

two people from Reid Packaging standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Ward and Anne Phillips of Reid Packaging

Under the ownership of Ward Phillips since 2008, the company has grown to become one of the largest packaging facilities in the region, with a 60,000-square-foot site. 

The acquisition will allow TransPak to expand its local manufacturing capabilities in the Southeast, while leveraging Reid Packaging’s expertise in specialized and heavy-duty custom crates.

Strategic Atlanta location and enhanced capabilities

The acquisition is part of TransPak’s strategic expansion into the Atlanta market, a critical logistics hub for both the renewable energy and semiconductor industries. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Reid Packaging into the TransPak family,” said Tomas Molet, executive vice president of East and Midwest Operations, TransPak. “With Reid Packaging’s prime location in Peachtree Corners, we are now able to serve customers throughout the Southeast, including direct routes to the Carolinas and beyond. This acquisition strengthens our ability to meet the needs of existing clients, especially those in the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.”

four people at a ribbon cutting as TransPak acquires Reid Packaging
Tomas Molet and Amanda Gautney with Anne and Ward Phillips

In addition to the strategic location, the acquisition brings new manufacturing capabilities to TransPak’s East Coast operations. Reid Packaging’s facility is now the largest of TransPak’s locations in the region. Its offerings include enhanced services, such as heavy-duty and triple-wall corrugated packaging, which will enable TransPak to meet the growing demand for custom-designed packaging solutions for fragile, high-value equipment.

Commitment to employees and leadership appointments

A key focus of the acquisition was ensuring a smooth transition for Reid Packaging’s employees.

 “We made a commitment to Ward Phillips to take care of the staff, and we’ve delivered on that promise,” said Molet. “All employees were retained, and we’ve introduced benefits they previously didn’t have as part of our commitment to making this a positive transition for everyone involved.”

Amanda Gautney, a longtime member of TransPak’s leadership team, has been appointed as the operations manager for the Peachtree Corners facility. “I’m excited to work with the team at Reid and continue the legacy of this respected company,” said Gautney. 

two people from TransPak standing in front of crates and boxes in a warehouse
Amanda Gautney and Tomas Molet

Looking forward in Atlanta

TransPak plans to continue operating under the Reid Packaging name for the immediate future. However, the facility will gradually transition to full integration under the TransPak brand, reflecting the shared values and commitment to quality of both companies.

About TransPak

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, TransPak has been providing innovative and cost-effective design, crating, packaging and global logistics for over 70 years.

As a customer-focused, women- and family-owned company, TransPak combines the agility of a small business with the reliability of a global powerhouse. TransPak lives by the slogan, “We make it happen,” ensuring that high-value, fragile, and oversized goods reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

For more information about TransPak, visit transpak.com.

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Business

Lisa Anders Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Explore Gwinnett

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Professional headshot of a brown-haired woman wearing a blue top

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, has announced the promotion of Lisa Anders from executive director to chief operating officer (COO). Since joining the organization in 1996, Anders has demonstrated outstanding leadership and has established a track record of developing partnerships essential to leading and expanding the evolving destination marketing organization. The creation and oversight of both the Gwinnett Film Commission and Gwinnett Creativity Fund are just two of her achievements.

“I am honored to step into the role of chief operating officer at Explore Gwinnett,” said Anders. “Over the past 13 years as executive director, I have had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth for our destination. I am eager to enter this new chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to see how we expand.”

As COO, Anders will take on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Gwinnett Sports Commission. This division is dedicated to driving economic development through sports, managing a variety of events for youth, collegiate, amateur and professional athletic organizations. Ander’s innovative approach and extensive network of local and national connections will further support the commission’s overall mission to establish Gwinnett County as a premier sports destination.

“The Gwinnett Sports Commission team has excelled in attracting and managing a diverse array of sporting events over the past several years,” Anders added. “I look forward to working closely with this talented team to support their ongoing efforts and foster economic development for our community.”

For more information, visit exploregwinnett.org.

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