GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Editor's Note: The video used in this article is from previous coverage of this topic.
Gwinnett County announced on Tuesday that it's partnering with an international real estate firm to guide the next phase of redeveloping the Gwinnett Place Mall into a mixed-use activity center. The mall has most recently been known for being featured in "Stranger Things."
That said, the county purchased a 39-acre portion of the Gwinnett Place Mall site in 2020 to revitalize the area. The vision for the land is to create a dense, mixed-use activity center that is well connected and walkable, all the while preserving the diversity and character of the area, a release said.
Now, to continue that development, the county announced on Tuesday that it's partnering with CBRE Group, Inc., which the county said is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm.
Gwinnett County District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden said they are looking forward to collaborating with the firm to help make the vision of the center a reality.
"Their extensive experience and expertise on projects like this one will ensure we create a vibrant new place to gather and enjoy," Carden said.
Vice President and head of CBRE's U.S. East Korea Desk Jae Kim said the firm is also excited to be involved with the area's transformation.
"Building on Gwinnett County's work to date and commitment to this transformation project, CBRE is proud to join the county to deliver a revitalized, vibrant and inclusive development for Gwinnett residents."
Commissioners have previously adopted a revitalization strategy focusing on housing, mobility and green space in the area. The decision came after two public input-intensive studies on the area and its redevelopment. One of the studies made the board adopt a Equitable Revelopment Plan to Reclaim Gwinnett Place Mall. In this plan, residents requested housing, small businesses, a cultural activity center, neighborhood services and jobs. There was also a concept created called the Global Villages, which will be made of seven different villages surrounding a central park by the mall.
11Alive previously reported last year that the revitalization strategy is expected to take place over the next 20 years.
Overall, the project's next steps will include collaborating with CBRE to refine plans before seeking development partners to transform the site.