Best set design

And the winner is: Alpharetta for its new City Center and for Avalon.

Why: Winning set design creates a new world where it previously didn’t exist — and may make us ask, “Why not?” City Center aims to create a downtown “heart” amid Alpharetta’s explosive growth by grouping handsome new civic buildings (City Hall, a library, etc.) against the verdant backdrop of a new park and Town Green. Avalon is a 4-month-old Atlantic Station-style development off of heavily trafficked Old Milton Parkway that’s like a self-contained small town — albeit with highend shopping and dining, concierge service and electric car charging stations.

Get in the picture: City Hall’s already open and the library will be in a few months. The public park has paths, a stream and benches, and it’s all steps from bustling Main Street. About 3 miles away, Avalon has a Regal Cinema with recliners and full-service kitchen and bar, several firstto-Georgia shops (Lou & Grey) and OTP locations for hot intown eateries (Antico Pizza) and chefs (Ford Fry). There are regular “happenings” on the outdoor “Living Room,” which has a fire pit and nearby bocce court. The two-story Whole Foods hosts Wine Down Wednesdays in its wine bar; speaking of which, you can get a to-go cup at your restaurant and walk around Avalon finishing your drink.

Information: City Center, 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. www.alpharetta.ga.us, w ww.citycenteralpharetta.com. Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770765-2000, www.experienceavalon.com.

CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON @AJC.COM Alpharetta is finishing the public parts of a new town center development, including the City Hall.