Avalon (Alpharetta, Georgia)

Avalon is a mixed-use development in Alpharetta, Georgia. Plans for Phase I of the 86-acre (35 ha) site include 500,000 square feet (46,000 m²) of retail, a 12-screen Regal Cinemas theater, 105,000 square foot of Class A office space over retail, 101 single-family residences and 250 luxury rental homes. The developer, North American Properties Atlanta, LTD ("NAP"), founded by Mark Toro, who also owns and manages Atlantic Station in Atlanta, promises "resort-level hospitality" and "an experience in the timeless art of living well".

The Alpharetta City Council approved the project in April 2012, began construction on January 28, 2013, held the topping out for the project on April 23, 2014, and celebrated grand opening with multiple events October 29-November 2, 2014.

Alpharetta City Council approved Phase II on October 28, 2014. Phase II is scheduled to open in Fall, 2016 and includes 90,000 square feet of retail, 550,000 square feet of office space in two buildings, 276 multi-family units and a hotel with 325 rooms and a conference center with 45,000 square feet of meeting space.

Upon completion, Avalon is projected to generate approximately $21 million annually in sales tax revenue, $4.5 million annually in new property taxes, $1.1 million annually in hotel taxes and more than 4,000 new permanent retail sector, white-collar and hotel service jobs.

Restaurants and Retail

As of January, 2015, 98% of the restaurant and retail space has been leased and 89% of the tenants are open for business. Tenants include Whole Foods and Regal Cinemas, Bocado Burger Bar, Pinkberry, Drybar, a new tex-mex restaurant concept by Chef Ford Fry, The El Felix, Van Michael Aveda Salon, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, lululemon, Kona Grill, Destination Maternity, Anthropologie, Marlow's Tavern, Orvis, Ted's Montana Grill, Fab'rik, Athleta, Arhaus, Paper Source, Banana Republic, Everything But Water, Janie & Jack, PNC Bank, Cru Wine Bar, Gap, L'Occitane, Bantam + Biddy, Gymboree, Free People, Sage Boutique, FlyWheel, Fuzziwig's Candy Factory, Vineyard Vines, Crate & Barrel, Soft Surroundings, West Elm, Antico Pizza Napoletana, Caffé Gio, Kendra Scott, Oak Steakhouse, Lou & Grey, Tommy Bahama, Kinnucan's Specialty Outfitter, Exhale MINDBODYSPA, BANTU, Columbia, LensCrafters, Marmi, American Threads, Francesca's, J. Crew, Calypso St. Barth, Road Runner Sports, The Cosmetic Market, BCBG Max Azria, Sunglass Hut, J. Jill, Goldberg's and J McLaughlin

Residential

The residential component of Phase I of Avalon includes 250 one-and-two-bedroom luxury rental units located in four stories above retail in a community called Haven, and 101 single-family residences designed by town urbanist Lew Oliver of Whole Town Solutions, built by Monte Hewett Homes and sold by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International.

Office

In Phase I, Class A office space will occupy 105,000 square feet over retail. As of January, 2015, more than 62 percent of the office-over-retail has been leased. Tenants include Wakefield Beasley & Associates, Dental Town, OneSpring LLC, Hug & Associates and Integrated Care Management. Phase II plans include 550,000 square feet of Class A office space in two buildings.

Amenities

Avalon was designed with amenities to help create experiences. Club Avalon is Avalon's unique approach to concierge—a way of infusing resort-inspired services throughout the entire Avalon experience. Avalon employs a full-service concierge team that attended customer service and leadership training through the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center program.

Other Avalon amenities include The Plaza, which is the heart of Avalon, featuring a dancing fountain and large gathering space for outdoor community events. Avalon's Living Room features a bocce court, swings, a fire pit and water fountain. Located next to Regal Cinemas, the 1,300+ square feet squirrel-themed interactive Children's Play Area provides children, ages 6 and under, with an area to let their imaginations soar while promoting fitness and fun exercise. The Family Lounge is equipped with family restrooms and a mother's nursing lounge with changing stations. Avalon's Dog Park is located on the residential portion of the property, near building 1000 and 3rd Street. The park is open daily and allows for dogs to be unleashed while they run freely within the fenced-in area. There are also dog relief stations located throughout property for convenience.

There are two drop-off/pick-up valet areas on the property and there are 12 EV charging stations located in the parking lots behind buildings 1000-6000. Additionally, Whole Foods Market has 2 EV charging stations for shoppers to use.

Avalon is Georgia's first Gigabit community, a futureproof fiberhood with internet connection speeds 100 times faster than what's currently available.

During the holiday season, The Plaza at Avalon turns into an ice-skating rink the size of Rockefeller Center.