Lawrenceville, September 17, 2025 – A landmark moment has arrived for one of Gwinnett County’s most anticipated community projects. The Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) has officially issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), launching a nationwide search for a developer to breathe new life into the long-vacant Gwinnett Place Mall site.
This call to action invites visionary development firms to submit plans to design, finance, and construct a transformative, dense, mixed-use community on the sprawling 72-acre property. The project aims to convert an underutilized relic into a vibrant, walkable, and sustainable activity center that honors the area's rich international character while stimulating significant economic growth.
“Gwinnett Place Mall was an important cornerstone of our community for decades,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “This redevelopment will turn the underutilized retail hub into a thriving gathering place for Gwinnett residents, local businesses, and visitors alike.”
A Community-Driven Vision for the Future
The redevelopment is not just a construction project; it is the physical realization of years of community input. The plans are guided by the Greater Gwinnett Place Urban Redevelopment Plan and two key public studies, which identified core needs and aspirations for the area’s future.
From this process, four key design principles emerged to guide developers:
Cultural Celebration: Honoring the immense diversity that defines Gwinnett County.
Multi-Generational Design: Creating a space that serves and attracts all ages.
Mixed-Use Development: Integrating residential, retail, office, and entertainment uses.
Community Gathering Spaces: Fostering connection and a sense of place.
A “Shovel-Ready” Opportunity of Unprecedented Scale
Gwinnett County has undertaken a monumental effort to ensure the site is fully entitled and prepared for development, making it one of the most significant “shovel-ready” opportunities in the Southeast.
Key preparations include:
Land Assembly: The URA has strategically acquired the entire mall parcel, including the former Macy’s and Sears properties, totaling over 72 acres.
Zoning & Infrastructure: The County established the Gwinnett Place Overlay Zoning District, creating a clear regulatory framework for large-scale, mixed-use development. Furthermore, over $49 million has been committed to crucial sewer, stormwater, and road upgrades, with many projects already complete.
Transit Integration: Plans are underway for a new Gwinnett Place Transit Center on the site to expand connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.
“We have created the nation’s premier shovel-ready redevelopment opportunity,” said Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “We are approaching this extraordinary opportunity with commitment and patience as we look to select the right partner.”
A Premier Global Partnership
The URA has partnered with CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, to manage the RFP process and attract top-tier developer talent.
“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.
Next Steps for Developers
An optional pre-proposal conference for interested developers is scheduled for October 7, 2025. Proposals are due by 3:00 PM ET on December 16, 2025. The URA will then evaluate submissions based on the financial strength, experience, and vision of the proposing teams.
Complete details and the full RFP document are available at www.GwinnettCounty.com/GwinnettPlaceMall.
