A new housing community in Peachtree Corners recently received recognition from the Gwinnett Chamber as an outstanding example of redevelopment, following the demolition of two 38-year-old office buildings. The removal of the buildings made room for Echo Lakeside, a 295-unit high end apartment complex that will offer interconnected hiking and biking trails, lake access with a dock and a dog park.

In recognition of its redevelopment efforts, the city of Peachtree Corners and developer Brand Properties received the community redevelopment award Oct. 13 for Echo Lakeside. The workforce housing project is currently under construction off Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.

The award was presented by Partnership Gwinnett, a public-private initiative of the Gwinnett Chamber dedicated to economic development in Gwinnett County.

“Echo Lakeside is an important investment for the city of Peachtree Corners in terms of livability for a millennial workforce, many of whom are expected to hold technology-based jobs in Technology Park,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “The project encompasses more than a valuable contribution to workforce housing. It is expected to catalyze future projects and provide greater public access to the lakes and surrounding wooded areas in Technology Park.”

The project was more than a straight-forward housing development. It involved a number of entities and a public-private partnerships. The developer worked with city leadership in the assemblage of 10 parcels in the Technology Park area. Through land donations and the transfer of density credits, the project was made financially feasible. The land donations were made to the city for the construction of a multi-use trail system and trail hub.

Project partners also included project architect Niles Bolton & Associates; general contractor Oxford Construction; landscape architect HGOR, and property manager Woodward Management Partners.