Thousands Flock To North Fulton For Avalon Grand Opening

Photo credit: North American Properties

Thousands gathered in Alpharetta on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of Avalon, a $600 million development featuring an 86-acre mix of retail stores, restaurants, offices, homes and luxury rentals.

Several of Avalon’s retailers set single day opening records. Adding to Thursday’s excitement, North American Properties announced on Friday that The Container Store, Johnny Was and local gourmet fruit house Lotta Frutta will open in 2015, the company said in a press release.

Based on Avalon’s immediate success, NAP already is planning to move ahead with construction on Phase II. This week, the Alpharetta city council voted 6-1 to approve plans for Phase II, which includes up to 15 new retailers and three new restaurants.

“On Monday night, our city’s leadership voted to advance our second phase which will bring more retail, restaurants, residences, offices and a hotel to Alpharetta,” said Mark Toro, managing partner at NAP. “Our partnership with the city has been as productive as it has been enjoyable.”

Wayne Rigsby, manager of guest experiences at Avalon, welcomed the crowd and introduced retailers as they paraded through the plaza.

The ceremony included speeches from Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle and State Senator Brandon Beach, president and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, a musical fountain display and a performance from a barbershop ensemble. The program concluded with Toro inviting guests to experience Avalon and visit the newly opened retail stores and restaurants that were ready to serve the crowd.

“It’s not about just leasing space, it’s about getting people whose hearts and souls are in their businesses,” said Ron Pfohl, partner and director of leasing at NAP. “I am proud of our team and the very specific curated retail mix we were able to put together.”

During the mayor’s speech, he alluded to the disappointment Alpharetta residents experienced when the previous developer abandoned the site and left nothing but a concrete eyesore. He went on to praise NAP’s commitment to develop Avalon as planned.

“Avalon is the light on the hill that shows that something truly special is here in Alpharetta,” said Belle Isle. “It reflects the lifestyle we have, it reflects helping attract Gwinnett Tech, the education we have.”

Avalon’s four-day grand opening continues through Sunday with local chef demonstrations, fall fashion shows and live entertainment, including a special performance by country star Kellie Pickler. More details and information can be found here.

Phase I of Avalon comprises 250 luxury rental homes, 101 single-family homes, 385,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and 108,000 square feet of loft office space.

Retailers and restaurants that open Thursday include American Threads, Arhaus, Athleta, Banana Republic, Bantam + Biddy, Bantu, Bocado Burger Bar, C. Wonder, Calypso St. Barth, Columbia Sportswear, The Cosmetic Market, Cru Food & Wine Bar, Destination Maternity, Drybar, Everything But Water, Fab’rik, Flywheel, Francesca’s, Free People, Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, Gap, Goldberg’s Deli, Gymboree, J. Crew, J. Jill, J. McLaughlin, Janie & Jack, Kendra Scott, Kinnucan’s, Kona Grill, LensCrafters, L’Occitane, Lou & Grey, lululemon athletica, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Oak Steakhouse, Orvis, Paper Source, Pinkberry, PNC Bank, Pottery Barn Kids, Regal Avalon Stadium 12 & RPX, Road Runner Sports, Sage, Soft Surroundings, Sunglass Hut, Ted’s Montana Grill, The El Felix, Tommy Bahama, Tumi, Van Michael Salon, Vineyard Vines, West Elm and Whole Foods Market.

Antico Pizza Napoletana, BCBG, Caffe Gio, exhale mind body spa, Marlow’s Tavern will open later this fall, while Anthropologie, Boston Proper, Crate and Barrel, Johnny Was, Lotta Frutta, Marmi and Piedmont Nails will open in early 2015. The Container Store will open in fall 2015.

Phase II of Avalon calls for an additional 85,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and is scheduled to open fall 2016.

For more information about the grand opening, visit experienceavalon.com/grand-opening/. Follow the grand opening festivities on social media with #AvalonGO.