According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, forecasts have long predicted that by 2050, metro Atlanta’s population will swell by nearly 3 million people, boosting the 21-county region’s population to 8.6 million.
It’s no surprise to many that Gwinnett County is poised to leapfrog over Fulton County, the most populous county with about 1.5 million residents. Those numbers have prompted city leaders and developers to prepare for the expansion with diverse and affordable housing options. Peachtree Corners has partnered with several businesses to accommodate future growth.
Town Center’s new apartment community
On Dec. 6, city officials participated in the groundbreaking of the new Solis Peachtree Corners apartments, a 249-unit community adjacent to Peachtree Corners Town Center.
The mixed-use destination, which opened in 2019, is full of amenities with 15 restaurants, a grocery store, a movie theatre, retail shops, offices and a two-acre park.
In addition, the Peachtree Corners Trail System, a 11.6-mile trail network, links Town Center with Technology Park, a curated tech accelerator.
This is the 150th endeavor for general contractor Fortune-Johnson since the company was founded in 1991.
It’s also the 15th project with real estate developer Terwilliger Pappas. The project comprises three residential buildings separated by firewalls, wrapping a six-story parking deck with 401 spaces.
The finished project will have approximately 10,000 square feet of amenity space, including a rooftop sky lounge and three courtyards. There will also be a pedestrian bridge connecting the residents to Town Center.
Highly anticipated development
As a hometown company, Vice President of Preconstruction and Business Development for Fortune-Johnson Michael Mitchell pointed out that Solis Peachtree Corners is a special point of pride, with the site just 800 feet from the company headquarters.
“We’re very excited about this,” Mitchell said during the ceremony. “We couldn’t have gotten here today without the help and collaboration of you here.”
Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason echoed this sentiment.
“The first words I said to [Brett Fortune, CEO of Fortune Johnson] when I walked out was, ‘Where have you been? Why is it taking you so long to get started?’” he chuckled. “My challenge is to see young people raising kids [here].”
He referenced the 1,500 jobs coming in the next few years when Intuitive Surgical relocates its headquarters in Peachtree Corners.
“There are not enough houses,” Mason continued. “I’ve talked to every mayor that surrounds Peachtree Corners. There’s not enough housing. … Our tagline, ‘innovative and remarkable,’ fits well with your quality work.”
Looking to the future
Derek Hutchison, Vice President of Construction for Terwilliger Pappas, further explained why this site is essential to Peachtree Corners’ growth.
“I want to hit on why this project feels a little bit different and why we’re so excited about it,” he shared.
“It’s rare that a city has the type of leadership, both past and present, to have a vision, stick with it, and deliver on it,” he added. We think this is one of the preeminent destinations in Gwinnett County. Having that within walking distance of our site and our project is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”
He added that with all the talent tied to the site, it will be a “best-in-class apartment community for the residents of Peachtree Corners.”
With more than $4.3 billion worth of work under their belts and a 35,000-unit portfolio, Brett Fortune thanked the city of Peachtree Corners for being such a great place to do business.
“I cannot thank you enough, and the city, for making this such a great place to work every day and run a business,” he said.
With that, the representatives grasped the gold shovels, and the project was officially underway.
