Gwinnett Place Mall: $16.5M Purchase Paves Way for Redevelopment

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A Nostalgic Journey Through Gwinnett Place Mall’s Past and Future

It’s 1984. A movie ticket costs $2.50, Prince’s Purple Rain rules the airwaves, and Apple unveils the first MacIntosh computer. In Georgia, another milestone is making headlines. On February 2, Governor Joe Frank Harris cuts the ribbon—using $30,000 diamond-encrusted scissors—at the grand opening of Gwinnett Place Mall. With fountains splashing in the atrium and a band playing lively tunes, thousands of shoppers flood the new mall to explore stores like Rich’s, Davison’s, Sears, and quirky spots like Potato Works and the Stride Rite “Bootery.”

Dubbed a historic achievement by Gwinnett’s Commission Chairman, the mall quickly became a hub for the community. It was where teenagers landed their first jobs, families celebrated holidays, and couples met for dates. Located off I-85 at Pleasant Hill Road, Gwinnett Place Mall was an immediate success and remained a beloved destination throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

The Decline of a Shopping Landmark

By the 2000s, Gwinnett Place Mall faced new challenges. Bigger, modern malls emerged nearby, offering more experiential shopping environments with restaurants and green spaces. The rise of online shopping further eroded foot traffic. Over time, the mall saw its shops close one by one, leaving only Macy’s, Mega Mart, and Beauty Master still in operation.

Surprisingly, the mall found a second life as a movie set, gaining fame as the Starcourt Mall in Stranger Things and becoming a backdrop for various films. While this offered some revenue, it raised questions about the property’s future. Could the mall be revitalized, or was a total transformation necessary?

Gwinnett County Steps In: A Vision for Redevelopment

In 2021, Gwinnett County took a bold step, purchasing 39 acres of the mall property and closing its interior. This acquisition included the Macy’s department and furniture stores for $16.5 million, setting the stage for redevelopment. With its prime location near I-85 and a vibrant, diverse community, the mall site holds immense potential for renewal.

Gwinnett’s redevelopment vision aligns with its 2045 Unified Plan, aiming to foster equitable economic growth and improve quality of life. By prioritizing sustainability, the county plans to optimize land use and create opportunities for both residents and businesses, boosting property values and tax revenue in the process.

The Global Villages Concept: A Bold New Future

After extensive public input and collaboration with CBRE, a real estate services firm, Gwinnett County unveiled an ambitious redevelopment plan: the Global Villages concept. This vision transforms the site into a vibrant community of seven interconnected “villages” centered around a lush Central Park.

Key features include:

Housing: Diverse residential options connected by green spaces and trails.
Cultural Hub: The International Community Cultural Center (ICCC), promoting global unity and cultural exchange.
Recreation: A 1.25-mile Ring Road trail with bike paths, wide sidewalks, and scenic landscaping.
Public Amenities: A public parking garage and ample park frontage.
Art and Entertainment: Interactive art installations and spaces designed for fun and community engagement.

Macy’s, Mega Mart, and Beauty Master will remain, blending into the revitalized site while benefiting from increased activity and foot traffic.

A Community-Centered Transformation

The redevelopment of Gwinnett Place Mall is not just about reimagining a shopping space; it’s about honoring its legacy while building for the future. The project represents an opportunity to breathe new life into a site that once thrived as a community cornerstone. With its commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, Gwinnett County is turning a relic of the past into a beacon of progress and possibility.

As the Global Villages take shape, Gwinnett Place Mall will once again become a gathering place—this time, one that reflects the needs and aspirations of a new era.