More than a year after breaking ground, the transformation process of North DeKalb Mall is underway, paving the way for a new lifestyle center in north Decatur.
Real estate developer Edens has shared updates through aerial images revealing the extensive demolition progress, with most of the mall now demolished.
The only remnants standing are larger retail buildings that will be integrated into the new development, setting the stage for future infrastructure work on the vast 73-acre site.
Previously, the North DeKalb Mall, which originated in the 1960s, was largely vacant except for a Marshalls clothing store and an AMC movie theater.
This decline mirrors the fate of numerous suburban malls in the Atlanta metropolitan area, including the now underperforming Gwinnett Place Mall.
After years of discussions about redevelopment, Edens is moving forward with plans to create a diversified town center dubbed Lulah Hills, with redevelopment efforts slated to kick off in summer 2024.
Lulah Hills will comprise nearly 2,000 housing units alongside various shopping, dining, and lodging options.
In May, Decide DeKalb announced that Publix will relocate to anchor the $850 million Lulah Hills project, with an anticipated opening in early 2027.
To facilitate this development, Decide DeKalb has approved a $70 million tax break aimed at revitalizing the area.
There are also “exciting retail announcements” expected in the coming months, as indicated by the DeKalb economic development agency.
As of 2023, Edens, headquartered in Atlanta, plans to deliver the first phases of the Lulah Hills development by 2025, although recent updates suggest this timeline may need revision.
Inquiries have been made to Edens representatives for further updates on construction timelines, phase one delivery, and any confirmed tenant signings, with promises to update the public accordingly.
Notably, Edens also manages several other prominent properties across the metro area, including Whole Foods-anchored Buckhead Market Place and the renovated Toco Hills.
The Lulah Hills development blueprint encompasses a footprint of approximately 2.5 million square feet, featuring a new PATH Foundation trail connecting the property to the nearby Emory University.
The proposed redevelopment delineates 1,700 multifamily units, 100 townhomes, a 150-key hotel, and around 320,000 square feet designated for retail and restaurant space.
However, the project does not include any office spaces.
According to Edens officials, the aim is to fully open the reimagined property by 2028.
Originally opening in 1965, North DeKalb Mall was the first fully enclosed mall in the Atlanta metropolitan area, strategically located where North Druid Hills Road intersects with Lawrenceville Highway, until its closure in 2020.
Edens acquired the mall property the following year, marking a significant shift in its future.
In 2022, DeKalb’s Board of Commissioners approved a Market Square Tax Allocation District (TAD) to facilitate redevelopment efforts, extending the initiative to neighboring areas such as North Druid Hills Road and Lawrenceville Highway.
County officials contend that the TAD initiative could enhance the economic landscape, projecting nearly $806 million in new property value to revitalizing the underperforming commercial zone, which translates to an increase of almost 20 times the current valuation.
Additionally, the tax measure will support affordable housing initiatives in central DeKalb, as well as enhancements to local parks, landscaping, lighting, transportation, and mobility.
A glimpse of the envisioned Lulah Hills district’s aesthetics and functionalities can be found in the accompanying visual gallery.
image source from：atlanta
