Peachtree Corners bubbles with excitement over new Town Green

The official dedication ceremony for Peachtree Corner’s new Town Green was held April 27th, and both locals and those living in nearby cities crowded the lawn to join in the festivities.

It was a significant day for the young city. Peachtree Corners was officially incorporated in 2012, and plans for a town center began soon after. In the following years, city planners would invest many hours researching, zoning and designing the concept, before breaking ground for their Town Green in 2017. Two years later, the community was able to enjoy those efforts during the Grand Opening Ceremony which ended at 9:15 p.m. with a concert and drone show.

As the mayor’s speech ended, a fountain bubbled and children rushed into the water at Peachtree Corner’s new Town Green.The ceremony began at 3:00 p.m. with the dedication of a Veteran’s Monument in which local cub scouts as well as the Norcross Jr. ROTC and an acapella group from Norcross High School’s Chorus participated. The Monument was designed by a team of collaborators directed by Bob Ballagh who served a full Army Career as a Colonel.

“We decided to do something different than your typical Veteran’s Memorial. Memorials are usually for the dead, but we built something to be living. People are memorialized here as well, but we left space to add bricks with living veteran’s names to build in future generations,” Ballagh said.

The circular monument included pedestals where clay statues will be mounted. Eagle Scouts from Wesleyan and Norcross high schools helped design the project which will be rededicated on June 15th. An app-based kiosk will later be installed to provide visitors with information about their relatives who have served their country.

The City designed the 21-acre Town Center as a mixed-use development. Allowing for a blending of residential and commercial uses, the Town Green was created to be a pedestrian-friendly living space where residents can shop, eat and play.

The Town Green in Peachtree Corners is an open space with a family-friendly atmosphere where residents and visitors can come eat, shop and play.A variety of businesses, retail shops and restaurants are now open to the public. Some the restaurants include CMX CineBistro, First Watch, Farm Burger, Marlow’s Tavern, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Salata Salad Bar. Additional businesses such as Hollywood Feed pets supply, Boardroom Salon for Men, and the Hand and Stone spa are in operation, while others will open later in the season. A full list can be found on the city’s website: https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/about/town-center.

“It’s nice to have a green space with shops. It has a nice family-friendly atmosphere. We’re also excited about the park here,” said Dewitt Alfred, a resident of Johns Creek.

“We can bring [our dog] Zip here!” his seven-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Alfred, chimed in.

Peachtree Corners resident Tyler Stewart was at the Grand Opening with his wife and daughter. Of the new Town Center, he said, “It’s nice. There’s a good amount of open space and good traffic flow.”

Speaking to his experience as the owner of a business in Peachtree Corners, Stewart added, “I’ve lived here for six years and have enjoyed watching the growth. It’s been a great experience.”

Sisters Elizabeth (age seven )and Tina Alfred (age ten) enjoy a day with their family at the new Town Green in Peachtree Corners. “I feel happy. We can bring [our dog] Zip here!” Elizabeth said.Around 4:30, the gathering witnessed a parade performed by Norcross High School’s marching band. After hours of entertainment provided by strolling performers, a DJ and food vendors, the evening wrapped up with a free concert featuring Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern Rock band with 15 released albums.

“As a lawyer and a state legislator, I’m partial to bringing outdoor music as a liberating and positive change-maker in our community, “said Peachtree Corners resident and State Legislator Beth Moore of District 95 who was in attendance.

Of the positive change a town gathering place would provide, Mayor Mason said, “This is a place where kids can make memories. We want our kids and grandkids to come here. For them, this place will have always been here . . . that’s how cities stay alive — by creating vibrant places where the city can come and make memories and establish a community culture.”

Visitors are now welcome to stop by new The Town Green to check out the new shops and restaurants. The Green is located off Peachtree Parkway across from the Forum in the Town Center shopping complex at 5140 Town Center Blvd.