Gwinnett County commissioners have approved the sale of the site where Olympic tennis matches were held decades ago as part of a major redevelopment plan in south Gwinnett.
The former Stone Mountain Tennis Center is slated to become a retail shopping center that is expected to attract a Costco, a Whataburger and more than 200 apartment units.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved the sale of property adjacent to Highway 78 in unincorporated Stone Mountain to Fuqua Acquisitions for $5.6 million. The developer's renderings include a building that resembles a Costco or a Whataburger. Of the 248 apartments planned for the site, approximately 20% are set aside for affordable housing.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
“We are ready to go and get to work for South Gwinnett,” said Gwinnett County Planning and Development Deputy Director Roman Dacare.
Prefectural officials revealed Channel 2's Matt Johnson They say they estimate that more than 500 permanent retail jobs will be created during the development of the site, along with 400 construction-related jobs. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year, with the entire project expected to be completed by 2026.
Gwinnett County acquired the land in 2016 and demolished the tennis stadium in 2018.
Trending stories:
Some people who live nearby say the current plans fall short of what was originally promised and had hoped for more fine dining options.
“Our region needs sustainable and equitable growth,” said Vipul Patel, who had high hopes for the site. “You can't do that at Costco.”
Following news of the sale, some say a local Costco is badly needed.
“We need it here because the closest one is off I-85,” resident Marian Moss said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
In other news:
