County Buys Former Sears Site to Kickstart Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment

Gwinnett County just took another big step in its effort to transform the aging Gwinnett Place Mall into something new.

The county’s Urban Redevelopment Agency approved an $11.5 million purchase of the mall’s former Sears property—11.5 acres that add to the growing footprint under county ownership. Once the deal closes in October, Gwinnett will control about 87.5 acres of the site.

What’s the plan?

Local leaders want the property to become a dense, mixed-use activity center that’s green, walkable, and welcoming to the diverse communities around it. The vision includes:

• New transit connections: The Gwinnett Place Transit Center, approved in March and largely funded by the Federal Transit Administration, will sit on the site. It’s expected to open by 2032.
• Housing, retail, and business space: Guided by public input, the project aims to bring a mix of uses that reflect community needs.
• Economic growth: County officials say redevelopment will expand opportunity for entrepreneurs, residents, and businesses while boosting the tax base.

Community-driven design

The project has been shaped by two major studies:

• The Equitable Redevelopment Plan, built on eight months of community engagement with more than 2,000 residents.
• The Gwinnett Place Mall Site Revitalization Strategy, developed with help from the Gwinnett Place CID and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said the purchase shows “purposeful progress” toward turning the mall into “a hub for catalytic change.

Why it matters

Once a thriving shopping hub, Gwinnett Place Mall has long been a symbol of suburban decline. But with county ownership expanding and national partners being brought in, officials say this redevelopment could redefine the old heart of Gwinnett County for decades to come.