Lawrenceville, September 2, 2025 — The long-envisioned rebirth of one of metropolitan Atlanta’s most infamous symbols of suburban decline took a major leap forward on Tuesday, as Gwinnett County’s urban renewal agency approved the $11.5 million purchase of the former Sears property at Gwinnett Place Mall.
The acquisition of the 11.5-acre parcel, expected to close by late October, marks the final major land acquisition for the public phase of the project. It brings the total county-owned land at the mall site to 87.5 acres, giving local officials near-total control over the fate of the property, which was once a vibrant retail hub but has languished for years, gaining cultural notoriety after featuring prominently in the Netflix series “Stranger Things.”
The ambitious redevelopment plan aims to erase that image, replacing the vast parking lots and vacant department stores with a dense, mixed-use “activity center” designed to be green, walkable, and well-connected by a new transit hub. The project is a central pillar of the county’s 2045 Unified Plan, an effort to guide its evolution from a sprawling suburb into a more urbanized and interconnected community.
“We’re building incredible momentum toward transforming this site into a hub for catalytic change and opportunity,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson.
The redevelopment is being guided by two extensive community studies, including an Equitable Redevelopment Plan shaped by eight months of engagement and direct input from over 2,000 residents. A key component will be the Gwinnett Place Transit Center, funded largely by the Federal Transit Administration and approved by commissioners in March. The center, projected for completion in 2032, is designed to expand public transportation connections throughout the county.
The county’s strategy is now shifting from acquisition to partnership. Officials have enlisted the global real estate services firm CBRE to run a nationwide search for a top-tier development partner. A request for proposals is set to be released later this month, formally kicking off the process of selecting a single entity to bring the community’s vision to life.
“With this step, we’re excellently positioned to attract top development partners,” said District 1 Commissioner Kirkland Carden, who represents the area. He emphasized the project’s economic potential, stating it would “create economic opportunities for our residents and grow our county’s tax digest.”
The county’s methodical acquisition of the mall property began in 2021 with the purchase of a 39-acre portion, followed by an additional 23 acres from the former Macy’s properties in 2024. The purchase of the Sears site was the final piece of the puzzle.
County Administrator Glenn Stephens framed the partnership with CBRE as a force multiplier. “By leveraging the resources of local government and a best-in-class private sector partner,” he said, “we will ensure the redevelopment meets the Gwinnett standard.”
The project now enters a critical new phase, as the county waits to see which developer will step forward to help write the next chapter for a landmark that has long awaited a new beginning.
