Joe Allen, Executive Director, Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District

June 2026 — In an interview with Focus:, Joe Allen, executive director of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District, discussed redevelopment momentum, infrastructure investment, and the district’s role in supporting Gwinnett County’s next phase of growth. “Redevelopment is the future for us,” Allen said.

How has the past year been for Gwinnett Place CID, and what changes or accomplishments are you most proud to share?

The past year brought significant progress, particularly on the redevelopment of the Gwinnett Place Mall site. Gwinnett County acquired key mall properties, including the former Macy’s and Sears buildings, and launched a search for a master developer. Infrastructure projects are advancing across the district, including road, interchange, and trail connector improvements. Public safety was strengthened through expanded 24/7 community ambassador patrols, while beautification efforts continue to keep the district attractive. Economically, the area remains strong, generating an estimated $15.9 billion annually for Georgia’s economy.

The last time we spoke, you mentioned the Global Villages concept. How is that vision moving forward?

Global Villages remains the guiding redevelopment strategy for the Gwinnett Place Mall site and has been officially adopted by Gwinnett County. The vision aims to create a mixed-use international district that reflects and honors our area’s diversity through housing, jobs, entertainment, culture, and public spaces. Momentum is growing, with nearby properties like Mall Corners, which is now under new ownership, making significant updates, including a new food hall concept. Gwinnett County’s continued investments in the central business district are positioning the mall site as one of metro Atlanta’s most significant redevelopment opportunities. The planned transit center redevelopment will further support a more connected and vibrant district.

What led to the decision to expand public safety efforts, and what results have you seen so far?

The CID expanded its Community Ambassador Patrols to provide 24/7 coverage and better serve businesses, residents, and visitors. Ambassadors assist with safety concerns, maintenance issues, and connections to social services through Gwinnett County’s One Stop 4 Help program. As homelessness and housing instability become growing challenges across the nation, the CID is working locally with county partners to help connect individuals with resources while supporting broader community safety efforts.

I’m proud to say that I will serve as the representative for the County CIDs on the recently formed Task Force to address homelessness, which will help to evaluate existing efforts and identify opportunities for improvement. I appreciate the county’s proactive approach to an issue that is affecting communities throughout the nation, and I believe the collaborative effort underway will help Gwinnett develop thoughtful, effective, and compassionate solutions.

How do you balance redevelopment with maintaining and celebrating the area’s unique identity?

Gwinnett Place already has strong fundamentals, including nearly 29,000 jobs, more than 2,000 businesses, and 23% of the county’s Class A office space. The goal is not to replace what exists but to build on those strengths through thoughtful redevelopment. Future plans focus on creating a more walkable, connected, and mixed-use district while preserving the area’s international character, diversity, and economic importance.

Which projects do you believe will have the greatest impact on mobility, accessibility, and quality of life in the district?

Key projects include roadway and intersection improvements, the Pleasant Hill Road corridor enhancements, and the McDaniel Farm Park Connector, which will improve pedestrian and bicycle access. Several transportation improvement projects are already moving forward this year, with corridor enhancements along Steve Reynolds Boulevard underway, and intersection improvements at Pleasant Hill Road, Crestwood Parkway, and Koger Boulevard are designed to improve traffic operations, safety, and accessibility throughout the district.

Additional projects, including improvements near the I-85 interchange and other intersections along the Pleasant Hill Road corridor, continue to advance through engineering, design, and right-of-way acquisition. The county is also investing in utility upgrades, stormwater improvements, and redevelopment-supporting infrastructure around the mall site. Long-term, a potential microtransit system could improve mobility between major activity centers like Gwinnett Place and Sugarloaf. Together, these projects support a more connected, walkable, and sustainable community.

How relevant are collaborations with Gwinnett County, the chamber, other stakeholders, and private partners in moving these projects forward?

Partnerships are core to the CID’s success. The CID’s role is often to identify challenges and opportunities, conduct research, develop plans, and help build consensus around projects that can improve the area. We frequently serve as a catalyst, bringing stakeholders together, securing funding, coordinating efforts, and helping move ideas from concept to implementation.

While the CID can provide leadership and resources, meaningful transformation requires the involvement of many partners working toward common goals. Gwinnett County has been the CID’s most important partner, supporting redevelopment, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives. Collaboration with organizations such as GDOT, ARC, Partnership Gwinnett, Explore Gwinnett, the Gwinnett Chamber, businesses, and property owners has helped drive major accomplishments. Strong alignment among stakeholders is creating the foundation for long-term transformation and growth.

The progress we are seeing today, from redevelopment planning and infrastructure investments to new private-sector projects and enhanced public services, is a direct result of that collaboration. By continuing to work together, we can create a Gwinnett Place that is truly a place for all and honors its history as Gwinnett’s first regional destination while positioning it to thrive for generations to come.

Which industries are you most excited to welcome into Gwinnett Place?

Retail, dining, and hospitality remain important, especially given the district’s reputation as one of the Southeast’s most diverse dining destinations. However, Gwinnett Place is also a major employment center with strengths in professional services, healthcare, technology, finance, and logistics. Looking ahead, the CID is particularly excited about attracting technology, innovation, and other knowledge-based industries. Continued redevelopment, quality-of-life improvements, and strong regional access position the district to compete for future investment and talent. 

Our collaborative approach has been a key factor in Gwinnett’s success in the past, and it will be equally important moving forward. By building upon our strengths in retail, dining, professional services, technology, international commerce, and quality-of-life amenities, we believe Gwinnett Place is well-positioned to remain one of the county’s most important economic centers while evolving into an even more vibrant and connected destination for future generations.