City plans ambitious redevelopment of aging suburban mall

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of a 30-acre mall property that has been a staple of the community for over 50 years. Originally developed as a suburban mall with a large asphalt parking lot, the site is now being considered for redevelopment into a mixed-use community that emphasizes walkability and reduced automobile dependency.

The mall, which totals approximately 1 million square feet, has a significant portion leased by Emory University, while the owners are exploring various redevelopment opportunities, including multifamily housing. A new ordinance adopted by the city earlier this year facilitates this transition by allowing for a planned unit development, which can accommodate a variety of uses and streamline the approval process for necessary variances.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of the project, noting that while the vision for a more urban-style development is appealing, the scale of the property presents challenges. They emphasized the importance of improving pedestrian connectivity and creating destinations that encourage foot traffic, particularly along existing sidewalks.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the ordinance, which includes a special land use permit and two concurrent variances, marking a significant step toward the potential transformation of the mall property into a vibrant mixed-use space.