GWINNETT COUNTY — The long-awaited transformation of Gwinnett Place Mall took a major step forward this week as the Urban Redevelopment Agency of Gwinnett County approved the $11.5 million purchase of the former Sears property, adding 11.5 acres to the publicly owned portion of the site.
Once the deal closes, expected by the end of October, Gwinnett County and the Urban Redevelopment Agency will jointly own 87.5 acres of the mall property, paving the way for a major redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the heart of the county.
The project will turn the once-declining shopping center into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use community with housing, businesses, green space and improved public transportation.
“We’re building incredible momentum toward transforming this site into a hub for catalytic change and opportunity for our residents, entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “I’m proud of the purposeful progress we’re making and look forward to what’s ahead.”
A Community-Driven Vision
The redevelopment is guided by two community-focused planning efforts: the Equitable Redevelopment Plan and the Gwinnett Place Mall Site Revitalization Strategy. Together, they reflect feedback from more than 2,000 local residents gathered over eight months of public engagement.
Both plans emphasize the need for affordable housing, pedestrian-friendly design, job creation and preserving the cultural diversity that defines the area.
The redevelopment also aligns with the county’s long-term 2045 Unified Plan, which sets goals for smart growth, mobility, economic opportunity and livability.
Transit Center to Improve Access Countywide
A key feature of the redevelopment is the planned Gwinnett Place Transit Center, approved by the Board of Commissioners in March. Largely funded by the Federal Transit Administration, the new facility will improve connectivity throughout the county and is expected to be completed by 2032.
“This redevelopment will create economic opportunities for our residents and grow our county’s tax digest,” said District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden, who represents the area.
Attracting Top-Tier Developers
The county is working with CBRE, a global real estate services firm, to ensure the project reflects market demand while staying aligned with community priorities. CBRE is preparing a nationwide request for proposals (RFP) to bring in experienced developers for the site. That RFP is expected to go out later this month.
“Partnering with CBRE will accelerate our redevelopment process and ensure visibility among the type of world-class partners we are seeking in Gwinnett,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens.
The county initially purchased 39 acres of the mall site in 2021 and acquired another 23 acres, including the former Macy’s properties, in 2024. The addition of the Sears site further solidifies local control over what has long been considered one of the county’s most important redevelopment opportunities.
What’s Next
The selection process for a development partner is expected to begin shortly after the RFP is released. Construction timelines have not been finalized, but officials say the goal is to create a lively destination that benefits Gwinnett residents for generations.
