(Gwinnett County, Ga., November 6, 2025) –– The 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit (MARS) convened more than 270 business and community leaders to examine redevelopment projects driving economic growth and job creation across the region. Presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, this 15th annual event underscored how redevelopment strengthens the business ecosystem that attracts and retains industry in metro Atlanta.
This year’s program featured case studies of The Works, The Medley, Campus 244, and Elan Satellite by Greystar, highlighting how adaptive reuse, infrastructure investment, and placemaking are fueling redevelopment and reinvestment. Jon Birdsong, CEO of SouthDowntown, delivered the keynote address, sharing insight into how innovation is transforming Atlanta’s historic core.
“Redevelopment is an economic engine,” said Kevin Carmichael, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for Partnership Gwinnett. “These projects strengthen our business climate, attract talent, and reinforce Metro Atlanta’s position as a hub for innovation, subject matter expertise, and investment.”
The event included recognition for key development and redevelopment efforts in the 11-county MSA (metropolitan statistical area). 2025 MARS award recipients included:
- Redevelopment Champion of the Year: Paul Radford, City Manager, Sugar Hill
Recognized for leading Sugar Hill’s transformation into a dynamic civic destination anchored by The E Center and The Bowl.
- Small Redevelopment Project of the Year: Church Street Redevelopment (Marietta)
Revitalized a historic corridor through adaptive reuse and infrastructure modernization.
- Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year: Hooper-Renwick Themed Library (Lawrenceville)
Preserved the legacy of the former Hooper-Renwick School while creating a modern community learning hub.
- Large Redevelopment Project of the Year: The Boardwalk at Town Center (Johns Creek)
A 20-acre public investment advancing Johns Creek’s Town Center plan, scheduled to open in summer 2026.
Michael Paris, President and CEO of the Council for Quality Growth, added, “We congratulate these communities and applaud their commitment to excellence in the region. Their efforts raise the tide for metro Atlanta and support Georgia’s consecutive leading position as the number one state for business.”
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson closed the summit with remarks emphasizing regional collaboration and the shared vision fueling redevelopment success stories across metro Atlanta.
The summit was held at Maison6405, the former Georgia Baptist Convention Center, and supported by sponsors including Evermore CID, Gateway85 CID, Gwinnett Place CID, Lilburn CID, Sugarloaf CID, Perimeter CID, Jackson EMC, Gas South, Pond & Company, City of Smyrna, Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, City of Peachtree Corners, Galloway & Company, Inc., GeoHydro Engineers, and Georgia Power.
Partnership Gwinnett continues to champion redevelopment as a foundation for economic vitality, linking business recruitment and expansion with talent development and community revitalization. Through collaboration with key public and private partners, the organization is building the expansion of infrastructure and cultural environments that companies seek when considering expansion or relocation to the region.
For more information on redevelopment initiatives, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com.
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