Much has been said about the redevelopment of Atlanta in recent years. From the West End’s $450 million mixed-use redevelopment initiative to the repurposing of the Georgia-Pacific tower into a bustling residential property, among many other projects, the downtown area (as well as Midtown and Buckhead) has become a hot spot for renovation and refurbishment. The goal of this effort is to embrace the urban community concept, where everything you could need is only moments from your front door. Over time, that notion has extended far beyond Atlanta’s city limits, touching an array of the suburban cities and towns that comprise the extensive metro Atlanta region. In fact, cities across the metro area have worked tirelessly to develop their own city centers for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. And the results have allowed a host of downtown areas to transform themselves into the modern Main Streets that people of all ages want today.

“The trend of building city centers and redeveloping downtown areas across metro Atlanta has been driven by a desire to create vibrant, walkable communities that appeal to a wide range of buyers—from busy young professionals to empty nesters,” explains Kimberly Garwood, director of marketing for Traton Homes. “These developments offer not only convenience, but also a lifestyle focused on health and connection. With easy access to outdoor festivals, farmer’s markets, amphitheaters and amenities like walking trails and communal spaces, residents can enjoy the best of urban living without the hassle of constant driving. Having shops and restaurants nearby fosters a sense of community while encouraging a healthier, more active way of life.”

Some metro cities have been on the city center path for a number of years, making changes to their downtown areas, town greens and more, while others have more recently began implementing plans to reshape themselves and follow suit with their metro counterparts. Here, we look at various locales across the metro area to see what they have done to turn their downtowns into the heart of their communities.

The Early Adopters

In 1997, Smyrna, located just 10 miles northwest of Atlanta and recognized as one of the top 50 places to live in the United States, instituted a downtown redevelopment plan that was designed to help combat what some saw as significant suburban sprawl throughout Cobb County. The plan ushered in a period of intense revitalization, which included the development of the beloved Village Green, where City Hall, the Community Center and the city’s beloved central fountain reside. That was followed by the introduction of Market Village, a social center that has been the epicenter of downtown Smyrna since the early 2000s, with 40,000 square feet of retail space, 18,000 square feet of office space, restaurants, shops, townhomes, beautiful streetscapes and much more. Together, these spots have turned downtown Smyrna into a bustling city center, which welcomes nearly 250,000 visitors each year for a variety of experiences, including the highly anticipated Jonquil Festival and the always well-attended Summer Concert Series. And the city’s efforts will continue will into the future thanks in large part to the 2023 adoption of a 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which is a road map for city officials as they set priorities for the future.

In 2002, Woodstock launched its own redevelopment effort after receiving a Livable Centers Initiative planning grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission, which helps local communities develop plans to create welcoming areas with an emphasis on mixed-use spaces and pedestrian-friendly design. In 2015, the city selected Morris and Fellows to design and develop Woodstock’s new city center, which is now home to restaurants, retail spots, office space and more. According to Garwood, “Downtown Woodstock in particular has become a model for developers due to its remarkable growth and vibrant community offerings. The area offers a diverse array of shops, restaurants, breweries and year-round events and is also a designated social district where people can walk around with beverages purchased from local merchants. Woodstock’s amphitheater, which hosts a popular summer concert series that attracts thousands of visitors, further enhances the appeal of this thriving city center.”

Another early adopter of the city center concept is the Town of Braselton, a bustling Northeast Georgia locale that has seen its population triple over the last two decades. Many people have been drawn to the downtown redevelopment effort put forth by the town, which began with the 2021 renovation of the historic Braselton Bros. Department Store building—a landmark that served as a commercial crossroad for the local farming community in the 1900s; the modern-day renovation transformed the property to house restaurants, boutiques, a salon, the town Welcome Center and more. Subsequent development of the adjacent Town Green included an old cotton gin that was turned into a brewpub and the construction of a new civic center, among other projects. The new city center has allowed Braselton to define itself beyond its recognition as the home of both Château Élan Winery & Resort and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, two of North Georgia’s most prominent tourist attractions. In fact, the downtown area has become a draw in and of itself, giving the town a bona fide sense of community and an exciting glimpse of what the future holds for this treasured metro town.

According to Rachel Langelotti, City of Marietta Economic Development downtown project manager, Marietta is also one of the cities that has spent years focusing on the redevelopment and growth of its downtown area, which centers around the historic Marietta Square. She says, “Our downtown, known as the Marietta Square, is the heart of the city and an amenity that enriches the community, elevates our regional brand and serves as a premier destination for both residents and visitors. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of popularity in city centers, and Marietta’s downtown has long served as a welcoming hub for our community. Known for its diverse culture, historic charm and a thriving scene, it provides entertainment, leisure and connectivity for residents and visitors.”

This vision has been upheld and furthered by the city’s leadership team, which has invested in transformative projects such as the M2R Trail for public connectivity, beautification of key areas, infrastructure upgrades and the redevelopment of adjacent housing. Over the past nine years, annual capital projects have systematically improved public spaces within the square, and resources have been dedicated to preserving and enhancing the downtown locale’s historic character while incorporating modern amenities. What’s more, the effort has attracted a diverse mix of business types, and Marietta Square is experiencing unprecedented demand for space. The number of restaurants and cafes has grown from just a handful 20 years ago to over 40 today, and the recently opened Marietta Square Market Food Hall has added 18 dining offerings. Offices make up about 35 percent of downtown businesses, and both office and retail spaces maintain low vacancy rates.

Langelotti continues, “Through vision, leadership and collaboration, downtown Marietta has built upon its past into a highly desirable place to live, work and play. Ongoing projects, supported by the City of Marietta leadership and its partners, ensure the downtown area remains a thriving community for future generations. As the city looks ahead, continued initiatives will help build upon past efforts to sustain the economic health and vibrancy of our historic downtown.”

The Current Changemakers

Eric White, division president of Toll Brothers in Atlanta, notes that city centers have always been destinations. Yet, the trend has really taken the metro area by storm in the past several years for several reasons. He notes, “Walkability and the reconnection of people and public spaces has been a growing trend. The attraction of living near where you work and play has also grown exponentially over the last several years. The trend is even going beyond city centers. Many of today’s mixed-use developments are now located in popular suburban areas, offering residents the benefits of an urban lifestyle without some of the typical downsides such as traffic and parking.”

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that more suburban spots surrounding Atlanta have taken notice and jumped on board the city center trend. For instance, Kennesaw, located northwest of Atlanta, initiated a major revitalization effort just a few years ago. “Downtown Kennesaw’s brand and renewed identity launched in May 2022, introducing new branding elements, social media channels and a website that helped to solidify it as a distinct city center,” says Rebecca Graham, director of communication and engagement for the City of Kennesaw. “Downtown Kennesaw’s redevelopment was inspired by a desire to create a vibrant gathering place that celebrates our rich history, offers unique shopping and dining and fosters community. Recognizing its historic roots and community appeal, the city chose to invest in transforming Downtown into a modern hub that showcases our history and supports economic growth.”

In addition to featuring brick walkways and unique attractions like the Southern Museum (a Smithsonian affiliate), Kennesaw enhanced Depot Park, which has become a central gathering spot for concerts, festivals, farmer’s markets and more. The area, Graham adds, is also now zoned as an entertainment district, allowing visitors to carry alcoholic beverages while exploring the city. And the Department of Economic Development continues to collaborate with developers to attract private investment that brings in new retail, dining and entertainments spaces to the downtown area. Graham says, “Our city center’s charm lies in its balance of historical character with modern appeal. It’s a true ‘hometown’ environment with distinctive touches like brick walkways, historic sites and a blend of local businesses. The community has embraced the downtown revitalization enthusiastically. Residents and visitors alike appreciate the variety of events and local businesses, and there is a growing sense of pride in having a unique, welcoming downtown space that reflects Kennesaw’s character and history.”

Up through the Georgia 400 Corridor, a number of cities have also embraced the city center concept. For instance, by 2018, Alpharetta’s City Center had become a can’t-miss spot in the northern Fulton County city; the six-block, 26-acre

revitalization project made space for 100,000 square feet of retail space, 36,000 square feet of office space and a mixed-use environment featuring an array of apartments and townhomes. Not far away in Roswell, a four-acre piece of downtown property recently was transformed into a spectacular mixed-use development called Southern Post, complete with 40,000 square feet of retail space, 90,000 square feet of Class-A office space, 128 luxury apartments, nine townhomes, a sky lounge, plaza space, and more. Adjacent to Southern Post is the Chambray Hotel, 125-room boutique property from JdV by Hyatt, further cementing the area as a tourist attraction.

Of course, only 25 minutes away from spots like Alpharetta and Roswell is Peachtree Corners, which has been focusing on developing its own city center since the city incorporated in 2012. The effort kicked into high gear as the new Town Center opened in 2019. As Louis Svehla, director of communications for Peachtree Corners, says, “It was important for the City Council to create a place that could belong to the community, be inviting to all residents, be a gathering place and serve as a new downtown.”

In 2013, the city purchased a 21-acre tract of undeveloped land that had been slated for the construction of 267 garden apartments. However, city leaders preferred to turn that area into a mixed-used development that today features “over 15 restaurants, retail shops, office space and townhomes that overlook the two-plus acre Town Green. The park is a central

gathering place for the community and hosts live outdoor concerts and seasonal events. The city’s landmark bridge located at the main entrance to the Town Center guides pedestrians over Peachtree Parkway and connects with the Corners Connector, the city’s pedestrian and bicycle trail system. The Town Green includes an outdoor fitness park, open-air pavilion, café tables, fire pit, projection screen, open natural grass lawn, splash pad, 9,000 square-foot off-leash dog park, two playgrounds and a 2,500 square-foot veterans’ monument that features seven sculptures,” Svehla notes, adding that development continues even though the 21-acre plot of land is reaching capacity. He says, “We continue to work to find additional opportunities for expansion and growth.  Additionally, we will continue to work to update what we currently offer in order to ensure that our residents and visitors will continue spending their time at the Town Center. The Town Center and Town Green have brought a true sense of community to the city. It has served as a place for our residents to come together and enjoy being together.”

For all city centers, that really is the key objective: bringing the community together. And Svehla’s thoughts about his own city really do apply to every revitalized downtown area throughout metro Atlanta. He concludes, “It was built for them. It was built for the community to give them a place to coalesce and enjoy each other. It has always been about variety and offering programs and activities that are engaging to all walks of life. It is a representation of what Peachtree Corners is all about—our people.”

Living in a City Center

Having access to a city center is a wonderful opportunity, but living within or adjacent to it is an entirely different experience. Fortunately, there are a number of homebuilders in metro Atlanta that are focusing on developing an array of residential options for buyers who want to take advantage of the city center concept day in and day out. And they are bringing those options to locales across the metro area.

According to Toll Brothers’ Eric White, some of the most coveted locations today include Avalon, Cumming City Center, Halcyon, Downtown ­Woodstock, Marietta Square and Downtown Alpharetta. Traton Homes’ Kimberly Garwood adds Downtown Kennesaw to that list. And when it comes to the types of residential offerings home buyers can expect to find in these sought-after spots, she says, “City centers offer a diverse range of residential options, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. You’ll find everything from luxury apartments and townhomes to condos and even detached single-family homes. This variety allows residents to choose the living arrangement that best suits their needs while enjoying the convenience and vibrancy of city center living.”

White agrees, adding, “There is a blend of new home offerings available, including single-family homes (both cottage style or zero lot line), townhomes and sometimes luxury rentals. A variety of price points and product offerings encourage a wide variety of home buyers, from individuals and young couples to families and empty nesters.”

For those looking to move into a city center in metro Atlanta, here are a few options to consider:

Traton Homes

Townes at South Main
• Downtown Kennesaw
• Stylish three-story luxury townhomes
• From the high $400s

Toll Brothers

Toll Brothers at Lakeview
• Near Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta
• Luxury townhomes
• From the high $900s

Vista Ridge by Toll Brothers
• Near Downtown Woodstock
• Single-family homes
• Starting in the $570s

Freestone Station
• Near Marietta Square
• Single-family homes
• Starting in the low $700s

Chimney Creek
• Near Cumming City Center
• Single-family homes
• Starting in the low $700s

For more information, visit Toll Brothers and Traton Homes.