Business

Proposed Mixed-use Development May Include Luxury Hotel

Published

3 years ago

April 1, 2022

Arlinda Smith Broady

A rezoning request for a nearly 20-acre site near the Central Business District tabled for June’s City Council meeting

A vacant office building located within the curve of Engineering Drive just west of Peachtree Parkway may become the site of a new luxury hotel. Atlanta-based TPA Residential has requested the rezoning of 19.46 acres from M-1 (Light Industry District) to MUD (Mixed-Use Development District) to develop a campus master plan consisting of an existing office building; a new five-story, 315-unit multi-family residential building; a new five-story boutique-style hotel; and an extension to the public trail system.

The plan is to add more than 300 apartments and a five-story, 100-room hotel at Engineering Drive and Peachtree Parkway, according to documents submitted to the city of Peachtree Corners.

A subsidiary of The Dilweg Cos., a real estate investment firm based in Durham, N.C., the company also requested a variance to allow for a reduction in parking in the multifamily building from 1.5 spaces per unit to 1.38 spaces per unit due to the fact that the project has a majority of one-bedroom units. 434 total parking spaces are proposed, 324 in a two-level deck internal to the site and 110 surface parking spaces.

The Peachtree Parkway properties are located at the northwest corner of Peachtree and Engineering, adjacent to the aforementioned property and directly south of the office building best known as the home of CarMax’s Peachtree Corners offices. These properties share the same 5707 address as the CarMax building, but the CarMax parcel is not part of this rezoning request.

Both properties are across Engineering Drive from the city’s future trail hub at the southwest corner of Peachtree and Engineering. This proposal plans to extend the trail system from the hub into this site and prepare it for future connections north to The Forum area.

The site plan submitted by TPA indicates two points of entry into the multifamily development from Engineering Drive. One point of access is shown to the hotel site from Engineering Drive. Additional cross-access is provided into the CarMax site and onto Peachtree Parkway via that property’s existing driveway.

Most properties surrounding the subject property are zoned M-1 (Light Industry) with the exception of the city’s trail hub site which is zoned T-O (Trails and Open Space).

The city’s future Corners Connector trail system will run parallel along the west side of Peachtree Parkway from Holcomb Bridge Road to The Forum. TPA also proposed to construct the portion of the trail on its property with connections south to the city’s trail hub and north to future expansion towards The Forum.

The application included architectural elevations as part of the rezoning request which shows modern designs with flat rooflines, rectilinear massing, a mixture of exterior cladding materials and a variety of colors. The proposed structures appear to blend with the contemporary aesthetic of Technology Park.

The site plan also includes numerous amenities that would benefit residents, office workers and hotel guests. These include a dog park, community garden, sports courts, event plaza, walking trails, lake trail, boat dock, water feature and connectivity to the city’s trail system.

City staff appeared in favor of the plan with conditions that included:

The site may be developed with up to 315 multifamily units. However, the maximum number of units is dependent on site conditions, compliance with zoning conditions and fully engineered plans that meet regulations. Units shall consist primarily of one- and two-bedroom units; however, up to 5% of the units may be three-bedroom units.
The property owner shall develop a Hotel Indigo or comparable boutique hotel as defined by the hotel industry, and as approved by the City Council. The hotel shall have a minimum of 100 rooms. The property owner shall be prohibited from developing a non-boutique hotel brand such as Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn.
The developer shall construct the trail system as proposed including the trail connection to the trail hub across Engineering Drive and the trail around the lake along the entire length of the developer’s property. Such trail system shall be built to city standards (width, depth, furnishings, etc.), and dedicated for public use by an easement or land conveyance that ensures its open access to the public. A minimum of 10 parking spaces on the hotel site shall be available for (non-exclusive) trail use.
The development shall incorporate public art in the form of a large wall mural on the side of the hotel building visible from Peachtree Parkway or in the form of a sculpture located at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Engineering Drive. The design of the mural or sculpture shall be approved by staff with assistance from the Arts Council. Completion of the artwork shall occur prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the hotel building. The total cost of the artwork shall not exceed $25,000.
Multifamily parking shall be designed to be ‘electrical vehicle ready’ by providing wiring and outlets in convenient garage locations to accommodate residential electric vehicle charging. A minimum of four electric vehicle stations shall be included in the hotel parking lot.
An upscale hotel may be built as part of a mixed-use project in Peachtree Corners, a suburban city home to a growing technology park.

On March 22, Peachtree Corners City Council decided to defer a vote on the application until June.

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

Around Atlanta

Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit

Published

1 week 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.