Developer: Alpharetta’s new City Center debuting eateries, shops at ‘rapid pace’

When it comes to Alpharetta development, the mixed-use Goliath that is Avalon has hogged headlines for half a decade, but a project bringing diverse uses to the city’s historic core is making strides (and winning awards) as well.

According to developers, Alpharetta City Center has now opened more than half of its 31 retail tenants, with more than a dozen openings scheduled to continue at a “rapid pace” through early next year.

Shopping and restaurant slots at the 26-acre district have been fully leased since May.

Unlike another northern OTP project with a similar name and components, Sandy Springs’s City Springs, Alpharetta City Center is an expansion of the existing downtown historic district by six city blocks.

Earlier this month, it earned the 2018 Development of Excellence award from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

Finished pieces at the Alpharetta venture include a new city hall, Fulton County library, the five-acre Brook Street Park, one-acre Town Green, and a 445-vehicle parking deck, all of which debuted in January 2015.

A 168-unit luxury apartment piece, Amorance, opened this year, while the construction of 42 single-family residences by Hedgewood Homes continues. The district also counts the corporate headquarters of DataScan as a tenant.

On the shopping front, recent debuts include Anna Bella, The Ballog, Hemline, Kilwins Chocolate, Magnolia Moon, Natural Body Spa, Perched, The Pink Valise, The Red Hound, Skin ReMEDI, Southern Local, and Spirited.

The restaurants Chiringa, Citizen Soul, Holmes, and Vitality Bowls are also open.

“This is a community that appreciates the one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences that these tenants offer,” said Cheri Morris, president of Morris & Fellows, in a release.

The company developed the restaurant area called “The Gardens” and, with South City Partners, street-level shops in another facet, “The District.”

The overview.

The 15 retailers to come include a few familiar names.

They’re listed as Chic, Core 57, DressUp, Al’s European Barbershop, Exquisite Living, The Hope Network, Mountain High Outfitters, and Vestique, along with restaurants Botiwalla Indian Street Grill, Highland Bakery, Jinya Ramen Bar, Lapeer, Never Enough Thyme, and Shade Street Food+Bar.

According to Morris, the project has been a catalyst for revitalization, with most of Alpharetta’s new homes and offices popping up within a half-mile walk of City Center.