Plans for Creating Central Business District Revealed at Peachtree Corners Open House

Creating a vision for a walkable, connected downtown core, and fashioning a community identity was the focus of a study the City launched earlier this year.

Through a series of community meetings, online surveys, mail and social media, residents and business owners and operators had the chance to provide input into the study. The ultimate goal was to developa concept plan the city would use as a guide.

The study was made possible through a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant awarded by the Atlanta Regional Commission in January. The study focused on the area of Peachtree Parkway between Medlock Bridge and Holcomb Bridge roads. Lord Aeck Sargent were the consultants hired to conduct the study.

“We had a great response to the surveys and workshops,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “This public visioning process was key towards creating our community’s identity.”

Those who attended the final Open House on Nov. 20, were impressed by the presentation and suggestions presented by Lord, Aeck, Sargent.

“I was dazzled by the work that has been done on planning for the Central Business District,” said resident Bob Ballagh who attended the Open House. “The team has done a terrific job of laying out proposals to solve some of the issues that exist and to make the city a better place.”

Elements of the study included finding ways to improve problem traffic areas, ideas for redeveloping aging strip malls, ways to integrate pedestrian and bike paths within the business district and ideas for creating safe, efficient ways for foot traffic to cross Peachtree Parkway.

Technology Park, which makes up the downtown district, was one of the focus areas. The architects presented a number of design improvement ideas for making the area attractive for foot and bicycle traffic. Also presented was the idea of constructing condominiums adjacent to office buildings within Technology Park and incorporating walking and bicycle trails for residents to enjoy.

Another area of focus was the aging shopping center on Holcomb Bridge Road and Peachtree Parkway that architects proposed could be redeveloped into a mixed use development that included a pedestrian bridge that connected to the adjacent shopping center.

The City is also working on gateway signs that will be located in entrance areas to the city to further help with creating the city’s identity.

Source: City of Peachtree Corners

(Photos: City of Peachtree Corners)