Business

First Mixed-Use Project under the New Ordinances Appears Before the City Council

Published

4 years ago

March 30, 2021

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

First Multi-use Development in Peachtree Corners under the new MUD ordinance

Development could bring housing, improvements to the area

A pending mixed-used project along the Peachtree Parkway commercial corridor promises to give a new look the area while bringing to vivid life the “live-work-play” concept undergirding such developments. More than 300 apartments and townhomes are planned, along with office and retail, said officials.

Project under review

On March 23, the Peachtree Corners City Council got the first official look at the proposed rezoning stretching from 5672 through 5720 Peachtree Parkway. It would convert a 9.25-acre swath from M-1 (light industry district) to Mixed Used Development (MUD) for the proposed multiple-use complex. The project’s housing stock is targeted to workers in the nearby Technology Park area.

City officials said the proposal will be back before the council for a public hearing and possible final approval April 27. The city planning commission signed off on it March 16.

The application from Alliance Realty Partners is the first to emerge since the council approved substantial revisions to the city’s existing multi-use ordinance in February. A couple of the key provisions provide that such developments have a minimum mix of three uses instead of the former two. The changes also allow developers to earn so-called “density bonuses” allowing them to increase the number of residential units per acre in return for pledging project enhancements drawn from a city-approved list.

The proposal falls nicely into line with both provisions.

With the revised ordinance in mind, “The developers have taken advantage of it, we believe, for the betterment of the entire project,” said City Manager Brian Johnson during the Prime Lunchtime city podcast. “Due to communication that happened prior to the project being submitted and some changes since, it actually has less units than the developer originally requested.”

Project improvements

Representative for Alliance and attorney Shaun Adams said the original proposal called for nearly 60 more units than the 295 multi-family apartments and 26-single-family attached townhomes ultimately settled on. He said the pullback will provide for a more “boulevard-like” entrance into the project from Peachtree Parkway and increase the development’s setback from the main road.

“A lot of it had to do with the changes in the MUD ordinance and because of feedback we received from the community,” he added.

The earlier ordinance change caps residential density at 32 units per acre. In this case, Alliance would be permitted to increase density to 34.69 by pledging to preserve 1.75 acres of green space, providing for underground stormwater detention, promising that highly visible public art will be incorporated and including the adaptive re-use of an existing building.

But the text of the zoning change points out that that the 321-unit configuration is not a done deal. The plan is contingent on on-site conditions, zoning compliance and whether fully-fleshed-out engineering plans meet regulations.

Clean-up and makeover

The existing structure being retained is a three-story office building on the site that dates from the early 1980s. It will get a substantial makeover, said officials.

Johnson said the refurbished building will contain “something similar to ‘We Work’-type office space. There will be some amenities for the local residents like clubhouse amenities, and I think they have templated a coffee shop to go in there.”

Also currently on the property are a number of single-story commercial condos which are largely, as the manager put it, “in a very degraded condition” with many of them empty and plagued by break-ins. Those will be swept away.

A couple of other esthetic/environmental considerations also come into play, said Johnson. “All of the trees along Peachtree Parkway are remaining and at the end of project there will more trees because of replanting than they started with,” said the city manager. He said also worth noting is that existing impervious surface on the site will be reduced.

Potential retail

Johnson said the exact amount of retail space tucked into the multiple-building complex is a moving target with discussions ongoing between the developer, its representatives and the city.

Adams agreed, saying they’re working on a configuration of about 2,000 square feet for that aforementioned coffee outpost — but stay tuned.

“You and I could be like ‘it would be great to have a mini-shopping area there,’” said Johnson during the podcast. “But if the developer can’t fill it, nothing would be worse than a development that started off with too many square feet of retail that they can’t fill — and that has happened.”

Adams said that with plenty of retail nearby, the emphasis won’t be on competing with that existing landscape. Instead, he said, “Let’s bring the housing to the area to support the jobs within Technology Park. That will bring more people to support the surrounding commercial and retail.”

City officials have said that the multi-use approach brings several advantages, such as providing more housing types and choices while boosting walkability, thus decreasing automobile trips. They’re also seen as especially appealing to millennials and empty nesters.

As Mayor Mike Mason said in an earlier interview with Peachtree Corners Magazine, “those are two segments of our population that are not currently well-served with regard to housing options.”

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Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.

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

Runner up: Paul 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.

Business

TransPak Acquires Reid Packaging to Expand East Coast Presence

Published

1 month ago

October 16, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.

Business

Lisa Anders Promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Explore Gwinnett

Published

2 months ago

September 17, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.