City plans $180M renewal

Development firm will partner in significant downtown revitalization.

The city of Loganville is getting in on the downtown revitalization party that has swept suburban communities across metro Atlanta.

Officials with the city that straddles Gwinnett and Walton counties recently announced a partnership with development firm Connoly, which will help it “take the initial steps in a proposed $180 million revitalization project.”

According to a news release, the project would include more than 90,000 square feet of retail and office space, 200 active adult residences and 600 “luxury living units.” It would also include expanded parks and green space and a new city hall and library. It could be completed by 2022.

Development would take place on either side of Main Street, between U.S. 78 and Lawrenceville Road. More information can be found at loganvillemainstreet.com.

“This redevelopment project marks an important transformation for the city, bringing an infusion of energy into our downtown,” Loganville Mayor Rey Martinez said in the news release. “With a long-held vision of returning to a time when Main Street was at the heart of our city, we are proud to offer our citizens and visitors alike a project that will create an inviting center of activity for all to enjoy.”

Initial plans for the project have been submitted to the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, which must conduct a development of regional impact study. The city and Connoly will also hold an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16. It will be held at the Rock Gym, 135 Main St. in Loganville.

Other cities throughout metro Atlanta have taken on similar revitalization projects in recent years, in attempts to create fresh energy and draw more people to their downtown areas. That’s particularly true in Gwinnett County, where part of Loganville sits. Lawrenceville, Duluth and Sugar Hill have recently undertaken major projects, as have Peachtree Corners, Lilburn and Snellville.

Loganville, though, would be among the more rural communities to undertake such a revitalization effort.