Metro Atlanta Leaders Celebrate Innovation and Growth at the 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit - Explore Gwinnett's Best in Business, AI & Tech News 2025

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The 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS) brought together more than 270 business and community leaders to explore redevelopment projects driving economic growth and job creation across the region.

Presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, the 15th annual event highlighted how redevelopment strengthens the regional business ecosystem that attracts and retains industry throughout metro Atlanta.

This year’s program showcased case studies from The Works, The Medley, Campus 244, and Elan Satellite by Greystar, underscoring how adaptive reuse, infrastructure investment, and placemaking are fueling revitalization across the region. Jon Birdsong, CEO of SouthDowntown, delivered the keynote address, sharing insights into how innovation is transforming Atlanta’s historic core.

“Redevelopment is an economic engine,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Partnership Gwinnett. “These projects strengthen our business climate, attract talent, and reinforce Metro Atlanta’s position as a hub for innovation, subject matter expertise, and investment.”

The summit also honored leading redevelopment efforts across the 11-county metropolitan statistical area.

🏆 2025 MARS Award Recipients

Redevelopment Champion of the Year: Paul Radford, City Manager, Sugar Hill — recognized for leading Sugar Hill’s transformation into a dynamic civic destination anchored by The E Center and The Bowl.
Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: Church Street Redevelopment (Marietta) — revitalized a historic corridor through adaptive reuse and infrastructure modernization.
Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: Hooper-Renwick Themed Library (Lawrenceville) — preserved the legacy of the former Hooper-Renwick School while creating a modern community learning hub.
Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Boardwalk at Town Center (Johns Creek) — a 20-acre public investment advancing Johns Creek’s Town Center plan, scheduled to open in summer 2026.

“We congratulate these communities and applaud their commitment to excellence in the region,” said Michael Paris, President and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth. “Their efforts raise the tide for metro Atlanta and support Georgia’s continued position as the number one state for business.”

Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson closed the summit with remarks emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration and the shared vision driving redevelopment success stories across metro Atlanta.

The event took place at Maison6405, the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, and was supported by sponsors including Evermore CID, Gateway85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, Perimeter CID, Jackson EMC, Gas South, Pond & Company, City of Smyrna, Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, City of Peachtree Corners, Galloway & Company, Inc., GeoHydro Engineers, and Georgia Power.

About Partnership Gwinnett

Partnership Gwinnett drives economic prosperity by leading and managing business development, catalyzing talent growth, and supporting community revitalization across Gwinnett County’s five target industries. The public/private initiative receives support from a broad network of business and government partners.

For more information on redevelopment initiatives, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com and follow Partnership Gwinnett on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.