Business
Transforming Peachtree Corners: 2022 Development Roundup
Published
2 years agoon
By
John Ruch12 Areas that are Evolving this year
From high-profile mega-projects to small gas stations and churches, development is booming around Peachtree Corners. A dozen projects around town are coming to fruition in 2022, according to city records. Some have been in the works for years, while others were recently approved for a construction start and others are already underway. Some will change the entire city; others may just affect your local corner.
Here, in no particular order, is a roundup of what is rising in the new year.
Numbers on copy refers to map locations.
1. Cornerstone Christian Academy
4480 Peachtree Corners Circle
Cornerstone Christian Academy began in 2001 as a church school for Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Now it’s growing and seeking more room for recreational and outdoor space. This roughly 11-acre project replaces an office building with expanded sports fields, a gazebo and a campus mall, part of which students began using in October. Still in the planning stages is a gymnasium.
2. Alliance Residential mixed-use project
5672-5720 Peachtree Parkway
This major project will remake two office building complexes dating to the 1980s into a mixed-use site including 295 multi-family units and 26 townhomes aimed at workers in Technology Park and the Curiosity Lab. Retail space is part of the mix, and one of six existing office buildings will remain. A total of 1.75 acres will be preserved as open space.
3. Townhome complex
3770 Holcomb Bridge Road
This project will turn a 1.6-acre wooded lot crossed by a stream into a complex of six single-family townhomes. The City Council last year approved the project, allowing it to encroach into a stream buffer, under several conditions, including that all townhome garages be wired for electric vehicles. The plan calls for saving some of the trees.
4. Grace Korean Church
3274 Medlock Bridge Road
The 200-member church gained City Council approval last fall to move into an existing office building in the Medlock Bridge Business Center. It’s part of what appears to be a boom in church founding and expansion in the city and Gwinnett County.
5. The Spoke at Peachtree Corners
450 Technology Parkway
This controversial project is renovating a Homewood Suites Hotel, dating to 1989, into a 92-unit apartment building. It’s the first such project allowed by a new city ordinance enacted in response to the hospitality industry continuing to reel from the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors. The City Council approved the project last fall, but it was a divided vote amid some local opposition based on concerns that apartments would decline in quality and attract crime.
6. AHS Residential mixed-use project
20 and 22 Technology Parkway South
This major project will remake an over 10-acre office building complex into apartments and retail and office space. The mix also includes more than 2.5 acres of open space and a multiuse trail. An existing five-story office building will be retained and adapted to residential and commercial uses, plus a 335-space parking deck. The total of 382 multifamily units in the project includes two new apartment buildings of seven and eight stories.
7. City Gate Church
3100 Medlock Bridge Road
Run by Kairos Transformation Ministries, this church celebrated its inaugural service Jan. 18 in an existing office complex.
8. Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett
5830 Spalding Drive
Currently based in rented space on Smithpointe Drive, this Jewish center is finally fulfilling a decade-old dream of building its own facility on Spalding Drive. Rabbi Yossi Lerman says there are only two synagogues in Gwinnett, so this will meet a need. The project ran into opposition in 2020 after Chabad bought an adjacent residential property on Crooked Creek Drive and aimed to add it to the overall project. Lerman says that property is no longer in the mix and a rabbi is now living in the single-family home. Land-clearing for the center has begun and Lerman says the goal is to have it finished and open in 2023.
9. Gas station and retail space
5211 Buford Highway
This gas station at the intersection with Herrington Drive will include a convenience store and two other retail spaces. An attorney for the developer did not respond to questions about who the tenants might be. The city approved the project in late 2020 with several conditions, including a limit on gas station hours to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
10. Gas station
4057 Holcomb Bridge Road
This project will convert a shuttered Burger King into a gas station with a convenience store inside the old restaurant building.
11. Intuitive Surgical renovations
3795 Data Drive
The renovations to the regional headquarters of the surgical robot manufacturer are just part of a massive campus expansion that will make Intuitive the city’s largest employer by far. Demolition of other buildings on Data Drive is already underway for the $540 million expansion, which is expected to bring 1,200 net new jobs to the city sometime between 2024 and 2031.
12. Waterside
4411 East Jones Bridge Road
One of the city’s biggest projects, Waterside is a remake of a 115-acre former corporate headquarters along the Chattahoochee River into an aging-in-place community largely (but not exclusively) targeted at those 55 and older. Home to the payment software company Fiserv until 2014, the campus is now being redeveloped by the Providence Group into a luxurious gated community. The mix is to include at least 200, and up to 500, stacked flats and independent living units; at least 75 units of assisted living and memory care units; at least 53 units of detached cottage homes; at least 22 units of duplex cottage homes; at least 65 townhomes; and at least six townhome lofts. Of those, 50 townhomes have been built and others are under construction, according to the city.
Related
John Ruch is a journalist with SaportaReport and Buckhead.com in metro Atlanta. His freelance work has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. In his spare time, he writes fantasy novels.
Peachtree Corners Business Association Speaker Series Panel Discuss Issues from AI to Leadership and Staffing
After 30 minutes of networking, light refreshments and ‘death by chocolate’ brownies courtesy of Marlow’s Tavern, the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) After Hours Speaker Series Panel commenced.
This panel of local business owners and consultants gathered at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast on Thursday, Oct. 26, to discuss strategies and opportunities for business success in 2024 and beyond.
Moderator Amanda Pearch Marmolejo, owner and President of Forsyth Business Radio X, kicked things off by introducing the panel participants, which included:
- Gentry Ganote, the CEO of Rojoli Services, Inc.;
- Lisa Anders, the Executive Director for Explore Gwinnett;
- Michael Pugh, an attorney at the law firm of Thompson O’Brien Kappler & Nasuti;
- Bill McDermott, “The Profitability Coach” and
- Rico Figliolini, the founder of Mighty Rockets and Publisher of Peachtree Corners Magazine
1. The importance of cybersecurity for businesses
Cybersecurity remains a top concern for small and medium-sized businesses. In fact, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) recently published Business Impact Report, 73% of 551 surveyed small business owners encountered a cyberattack this year.
As the leader of technology solutions provider Rijoli, Gentry Ganote knows first-hand where businesses are the most vulnerable.
“What we’re seeing is phishing attacks are really the number one nefarious act that’s going on that we deal with on a daily basis. We provide security services for our customers, and we have spam filters and email filters and all kinds of artificial intelligence,” said Ganote.
“But emails still get through, texts get through and people become susceptible to clicking on a link, putting their password in, changing bank records, giving money to the wrong people, and we see it every day,” he added.
“If any of you guys hire interns, you should educate them quickly about scams that are out there. They don’t know they’re new to the workforce,” Ganote explained emphatically.
2. Business succession and exit strategies
As some business owners head toward retirement or strive to preserve their legacy for future generations, transitioning both management and ownership is paramount.
As “The Profitability Coach,” Bill McDermott has consulted many business owners on best executing their succession strategies.
“The particular work for a business owner is number one, identifying that there’s value that can be transferred either to that seller, to the management team or to the outside buyer,” said McDermott.
“Secondly, there’s a growth plan that’s required. Typically, there’s a letter of intent or confidentiality agreement. There are asset purchase agreements, there are representations and warranties, and having an attorney is absolutely critical,” he further explained.
“Selling a business in some ways is also selling real estate, except the numbers are bigger. So, it takes a business broker … it’s a complex transaction, and there are a lot of moving parts, and there are a lot of important people that are part of that,” he added.
3. Leadership, training and staffing
Industries like hospitality are innovating through adversity, developing new training programs to address service staffing shortages exacerbated by the pandemic and aiming to empower front-line employees through direct and tailored instruction.
Lisa Anders, the Executive Director for Explore Gwinnett, Gwinnett County’s official tourism organization, shared her challenges and solutions in this area.
“We have a lot of research and a lot of conversations with our hotels and our other hospitality departments on the very frontline; the very front desk is the problem. People are under-trained and under motivated. It is just a problem,” she added.
Yet, Explore Gwinnett is taking positive steps forward with its training efforts.
“We’re instituting a new training program. We’re going to be going into every single hotel district … going directly into those hotel districts and doing training one-on-one with our hotel partners and with frontline employees. Our hotels are super excited because it’s not just customer service, it is learning how to de-escalate situations,” Anders explained.
4. Content creation and podcasting
Podcasts have emerged as a powerful tool for storytelling and marketing. Drawing inspiration from a family history in journalism, McDermott leveraged the power of narrative to create a successful podcast that not only celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit but also serves as a cornerstone in his marketing strategy.
“Marketing is the number one weakness in any broken firm,” McDermott said.
“I started a show, we just celebrated our 50th episode, and I was able to tell stories of business owners and professionals that advise them. Three years forward now, my podcast has become actually the linchpin in my marketing strategy. It is the number one thing that I do,” he went on.
“Podcasting is actually a great way to get to know and trust people and a lot of my guests have now become clients,” McDermott added.
Rico Figliolini, the founder of creative services company Mighty Rockets, echoed this sentiment.
“It’s a great way to soft open a prospect. … If you want to get a lead prospect in your industry, you should become that authority of that industry,” said Figliolini.
5. Artificial intelligence and technology
Increasing efficiency while maintaining the human element using AI applications is at the forefront of business strategy heading into 2024.
The legal realm is catching up with AI’s transformative impact. Tools that once seemed futuristic are becoming standard, reshaping how legal professionals approach their work while maintaining the essential human touch through client interactions.
Michael Pugh, an attorney at the law firm of Thompson O’Brien, is witnessing this transition first-hand.
“The legal industry is just starting to incorporate AI … There’s one program called LexisNexis where I can write a legal breach and upload it to Lexis, and it’ll check my cases. It’ll suggest other cases to incorporate; it’ll analyze my arguments and tell me what percentage I’m likely to succeed,” Pugh explained.
“That’s a bit scary, but sometimes it’s pretty cool. So, we’re definitely going to be using more AI, but at the same time, people want to see who they’re working with face-to-face. So, we do meet regularly with our clients,” he added.
The next PCBA Business After Hours Speaker Series will be held on Nov. 16, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kathryn Stewart, owner of Performance Trucking, will discuss how she carved out her path as a female executive in a male-dominated industry.
Related
The Gwinnett Chamber is set to host the 2023 Multi-Chamber Mixer at After Hours, an end-of-year event designed to celebrate Gwinnett’s inclusive business community.
The program will be held at the Gas South Convention Center on November 1, starting at 5 p.m.
This program brings organizations from around the world together to celebrate Gwinnett’s diverse and international business community.
Partners in this event have historically included business groups such as:
- The Georgia Indo-American Chamber,
- Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia,
- Korean American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia,
- Latin American Chamber,
- German American Chamber,
- French American Chamber,
- Georgia Hispanic Chamber,
- Georgia Pakistan Business Council,
- Liberian Community Association of Georgia,
- Atlanta Chinese Entrepreneurs Club and
- the Italy America Chamber Commerce Southeast, Georgia Chapter
“Collaboration with these organizations enables connection and a deeper understanding of business needs in our region,” added Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Nick Masino. “We are pleased to partner with these entities in hosting an event designed to celebrate our collective success and ever-evolving growth opportunities.”
Registration is required to attend and includes international food tastings, drink tickets and networking with more than 300 business professionals. To register, please visit GwinnettChamber.org/Events.
Related
Insight Sourcing, a North American consulting firm focused exclusively on strategic sourcing and procurement-related services, is marking 21 years of client commitment with a brand refresh.
The firm has updated its visual identity with a new icon and font and is dropping “Group” from its brand name, previously Insight Sourcing Group.
The decision to refresh the brand underscores Insight Sourcing’s dedication to the procurement and sourcing domain.
“Since day one, Insight Sourcing has remained innovative, agile and always ready to leverage market intelligence, and digital assets to meet the ambitious goals of our clients,” said Tom Beaty, CEO of Insight Sourcing.
“We never rest in our pursuit of excellence, and neither should our brand. It reflects our deep appreciation for our past as well as the dynamic nature of our future,” he added.
It’s important to note that this refresh signifies a renewed pledge to clients and their needs. It does not signify a change of ownership or operating structure.
For further details about Insight Sourcing, visit the organization’s website at www.insightsourcing.com.
Read more local business news here.
Related
Read the Digital Edition
Subscribe
Newsletter Signup
Don't miss out on news and events in Peachtree Corners.
You have Successfully Subscribed!
Read the Digitial Edition of Peachtree Corners Magazine Dec/January 2024
Embracing Winter Wellness with MAGISNAT: Fortifying Your Immune System and Veins
Gwinnett Co. Commissioner Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
MAGISNAT: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Personalized Wellness
Limited Access to Town Green This Winter During Expansion Projects
Limited Access to Town Green This Winter During Expansion Projects
Read the Digitial Edition of Peachtree Corners Magazine Dec/January 2024
Gwinnett Co. Commissioner Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
MAGISNAT: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Personalized Wellness
Embracing Winter Wellness with MAGISNAT: Fortifying Your Immune System and Veins
Peachtree Corners Welcomes Solis Apartment Development with Groundbreaking Ceremony
Petfolk Veterinary & Urgent Care: Committed to Your Pet’s Health
Norcross Women’s Water Polo Claims State Championship Title for the First Time
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
Peachtree Corners Life
Topics and Categories
Trending
-
Digital Edition3 days ago
Read the Digitial Edition of Peachtree Corners Magazine Dec/January 2024
-
SPONSORED CONTENT3 days ago
Embracing Winter Wellness with MAGISNAT: Fortifying Your Immune System and Veins
-
Community3 days ago
Gwinnett Co. Commissioner Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
-
SPONSORED CONTENT3 days ago
MAGISNAT: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Personalized Wellness