Denise Brinson, left, talks with Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette. (Photo: Steve Burns.)
Updated 5:57 a.m., Aug. 1
Suwanee officials have taken initial steps toward what is being called an “extension” of the Town Center area that has been the metro Atlanta city’s focal point for more than 10 years.
The city’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced that it is working on a letter of intent with Atlanta developer Terwilliger Pappas for a mixed-use development. This effort would be on a three-acre tract on Buford Highway across from the strip mall that houses Marco’s Pizza.
Denise Brinson, assistant city manager and head of economic development, explained that when the letter of intent becomes official, construction would begin in about a year and be completed in about 20 months.
She added that the development is regarded as an “extension” of Town Center, a multi-use development that includes Town Center Park, City Hall, as well as retail and residential lofts. “It will have the same look and feel,” Brinson said.
Plans call for 235 rental residential units, and 10,000 square feet of retail. Brinson noted that currently there are no rental developments near Town Center. Also, there would be a seven-story parking garage, which the building would wrap around.
This development moved into a higher gear when the Suwanee City Council on Tuesday (July 28) approved the transfer of the land to the DDA. Also, officials approved the latest version of the Downtown Master Plan; Brinson said the new development has been a part of the cxity’s master plan since 2001.
No firm plans exist now for a particular type of retail. As for the rental units, Brinson noted that the price points would be “comparatively upscale.”
The Terwilliger Pappas website notes that the developer “is committed to creating apartment homes of exceptional value that consider the rich contexts of the locations selected … .” A Request For Proposals to develop the property had gone out in June.
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