In a strategic move to expand the retail landscape of Sugar Hill, Georgia, Ackerman & Co. and Novare Group have announced their partnership to develop a new retail project. The development, situated adjacent to Novare Group's 306-unit Conclave Sugar Hill multifamily community, will consist of two buildings totaling 13,275 square feet of retail space.
The project, located on a 4-acre site on Hillcrest Drive, will feature buildings of 6,035 square feet and 7,240 square feet, offering flexible space options starting at 1,260 square feet. Kelly Wilson, Senior Vice President of Ackerman Retail, will lead the leasing efforts for the development, targeting a diverse mix of tenants including homegrown and regional restaurants, fast-casual eateries, boutiques, and shops.
This collaboration between Ackerman & Co. and Novare Group holds significant importance for Sugar Hill's ongoing transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use community. Leo Wiener, President of Ackerman Retail, emphasized the project's alignment with the city's master-planned downtown, stating, "The city has created a vibrant live, work, play district, and we're looking forward to adding a great mix of restaurants and retail to complement the city's downtown amenities."
The retail development is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing Sugar Hill's appeal as both a residential and visitor destination. Jim Borders, President of Novare Group, highlighted the project's potential impact, noting that "the retail and residences in our project will enhance Sugar Hill's growing appeal as a place to live and visit."
The significance of this development extends beyond its immediate commercial offerings. The project will integrate with Sugar Hill's 11.5-mile Greenway and connect to the downtown area via a pedestrian bridge spanning Highway 20. Additionally, two acres adjoining the retail site will be dedicated to a public park, further enhancing the area's community-oriented design.
This retail project is part of a larger trend of suburban town center developments that aim to create walkable, mixed-use environments outside of major city centers. Such developments are increasingly important as they respond to changing consumer preferences for more integrated living, working, and recreational spaces.
The partnership between Ackerman & Co. and Novare Group brings together significant expertise in retail development and mixed-use communities. Ackerman & Co.'s experience in developing successful retail environments, including Atlanta's Lee + White development, combined with Novare Group's track record of innovative mixed-use projects in the Sunbelt region, positions this Sugar Hill development for success.
As suburban areas like Sugar Hill continue to evolve, projects like this play a crucial role in shaping the future of these communities. By providing a mix of retail options alongside residential developments and public amenities, such projects contribute to creating more sustainable, livable communities that can attract and retain residents and businesses alike.
The Sugar Hill retail development represents a significant investment in the area's economic and social infrastructure. As it progresses, it will be worth watching how this project influences further development in Sugar Hill and potentially serves as a model for other suburban communities looking to create vibrant, mixed-use town centers.
