Gwinnett County, through its Urban Redevelopment Agency and in partnership with CBRE, has announced a nationwide request for proposals (RFP) to identify a qualified developer partner to design, finance, construct and deliver the Gwinnett Place Mall site redevelopment. The property is well positioned for redevelopment into a dense, mixed-use activity center that is green and walkable, while preserving the cultural diversity and international character of the area. The eventual redevelopment will improve property values and economic activity in the area, stimulating significant County property and sales tax growth.

Close to Interstate 85 and State Route 120, the former Gwinnett Place Mall site is located on more than 72 acres of highly visible land in the heart of Gwinnett County. Strategically positioned near Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and several metropolitan areas, Gwinnett County is a significant hub for businesses and industries such as retail, healthcare and professional services. Its vibrant economy is also supported by its commitment to education — with an excellent school system and several higher education institutions — and rich blend of cultures.

“Gwinnett Place Mall was an important cornerstone of our community for decades. This redevelopment will turn the underutilized retail hub into a thriving gathering place for Gwinnett residents, local businesses and visitors alike,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “The County has made tremendous progress in preparing the site for transformation, and this RFP brings us one step closer to a vibrant, walkable and sustainable redevelopment.”

Community-driven input for redevelopment

This redevelopment aligns with and furthers the goals and priorities of the County’s 2045 Unified Plan and Greater Gwinnett Place Urban Redevelopment Plan, which outlines the vision, guiding principles and concept that are being implemented. The redevelopment is also guided by two public input studies – the Equitable Redevelopment Plan and the Gwinnett Place Mall Site Revitalization Strategy – that identified community needs for the future of the site and surrounding area.

In collaboration with community stakeholders, the County identified four key design principles that will guide the redevelopment: cultural celebration, multi-generational design, mixed-use development and community gathering spaces. This vision celebrates the diversity of Gwinnett County while providing flexibility to adapt the redevelopment plan to market conditions.

Partnership with a leading global real estate firm

The County is partnering with CBRE, the world’s largest and leading commercial real estate services firm, to align strategies with community priorities and market demand. Drawing on global experience, CBRE is engaging leading developers and sharing best practices from major redevelopment projects. CBRE expects that the substantial preparation undertaken by the County and strong track record of community engagement will be key differentiators for the redevelopment, in addition to Gwinnett County’s robust economy, demographics and quality of life.

“The rich history, prime location and large scale of this site make it one of the most significant redevelopment opportunities in the Southeast,” said CBRE Vice President Jae Kim.

“We are proud to partner with Gwinnett County and its Urban Redevelopment Agency to attract a visionary developer who will help transform this property into a shared community space for generations to come,” added Lee Ann Korst, Senior Vice President and Southeast Regional Manager for the firm’s Public Institutions and Education Solutions practice.

Strategic investments and site preparation

Gwinnett County has made significant investments in preparation for the redevelopment. In 2021, the Urban Redevelopment Agency initially purchased a 39-acre portion of the Gwinnett Place Mall site, and in 2024, an additional 23 acres were purchased on the site of the former Macy’s department and furniture store properties. Recently, the Urban Redevelopment Agency approved the purchase of the 11.5-acre former Sears site, which is expected to close in October. The Board of Commissioners also approved a vendor to create the design of the Gwinnett Place Transit Center, which will be located on the former Gwinnett Place Mall site, to expand connection and reduce traffic congestion.

The County took a series of steps to ensure the former Gwinnett Place Mall site was fully entitled and prepared for redevelopment:

• The County created the Gwinnett Place Overlay Zoning District, which applies specifically to the former mall site and surrounding area. This overlay establishes a regulatory framework to support large-scale, mixed-use redevelopment by outlining permitted uses and defining design standards related to density, height, bulk, streetscapes, parking, landscaping, open space and building form. The County also aligned infrastructure planning and streamlined development review procedures to eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers and reduce uncertainty for future developers of the site.

• Gwinnett County has already committed more than $49 million in infrastructure projects to support the redevelopment of the Gwinnett Place Mall site, some of which are now complete, with others set to be completed by 2028. This investment will cover sewer upgrades, stormwater improvements, road enhancements and more that will support the redevelopment efforts as well as improve safety, mobility and quality of life.

“Through deliberate and intentional actions, carefully purchasing and assembling this property, establishing the zoning overlay, and providing nearly $50 million of critical infrastructure to the area, we have created the nation’s premier shovel-ready redevelopment opportunity,” said Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “With our strong financial position, demographics and a supportive community, we are approaching this extraordinary opportunity with commitment and patience as we look to select the right partner to lead this remarkable project.”

Developer submission details and selection process

Interested proposers may attend an optional pre-proposal conference on Oct. 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET, either in person at Innovation Square, 446 West Crogan Street, Conference Room 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia, or virtually through the link provided in the RFP. Responses must be submitted no later than 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 16, 2025. Following the deadline, the URA will select the developers that best meet the financial, experiential and evaluation criteria outlined in this RFP.

More information about the Gwinnett Place Mall site redevelopment is available at www.GwinnettCounty.com/GwinnettPlaceMall.