Breaking: Ex-PSC candidate took notebook of Georgia Power trade secrets, police say
Business
Business

Kempner: Gwinnett Place mall owner now rethinks remake for struggling shopping center

Shoppers and retailers are in short supply at Gwinnett Place mall in Duluth. Once a center of commerce, the mall has struggled and plans for a major redevelopment have yet to be finalized. MATT KEMPNER / AJC
Shoppers and retailers are in short supply at Gwinnett Place mall in Duluth. Once a center of commerce, the mall has struggled and plans for a major redevelopment have yet to be finalized. MATT KEMPNER / AJC
By Matt Kempner
May 5, 2017

The owner of Gwinnett Place mall had big redevelopment plans it said it would submit to Gwinnett County in March. Didn't happen.

Now, in a new interview, the CEO of Moonbeam Capital Investments is hedging on when he will do so.

Find out what he plans to do exclusively on myAJC.com

It's been nearly four years since the company bought the Duluth mall at what seemed like a bargain basement price. But CEO Steven Maksin cites complications in determining what kind of mixed-use development to pursue there, though he said he expects it to include apartments, offices, entertainment and less shopping.

Frustrations are growing as the mall faces more problems.

In response to doubters, Maksin cites a line spoken by the character “Larry the liquidator” in the 1990s movie ‘Other People’s Money.’

“I’m not your best friend. I’m your only friend.”

What does he mean and why does he say people will be surprised about what’s ahead? More in my latest Unofficial Business column on myAJC.com.

Don't miss one word of Matt Kempner's Unofficial Business column. Subscribe to myAJC.com

In other Gwinnett County news:

Two Gwinnett County officers were fired after a violent traffic stop that was caught on camera.

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

Follow Matt Kempner on facebookFollow Matt Kempner on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

This is an aerial rendering of the first phase of the Stitch in downtown Atlanta. It was unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, during the inaugural Downtown Day hosted by Central Atlanta Progress and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. (Courtesy of Atlanta Downtown Improvement District)

Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Downtown Improvement District

Atlanta’s Stitch project is a go, despite federal cuts. It’ll look like this.

The leaders of an effort to cap the Downtown Connector with a park say their project remains in motion and released their clearest vision yet of what they aim to build.

2h ago

Georgia has lost $2.9B in clean energy projects amid fed pullback, report says

More than $24 billion worth of projects across the country in the electric vehicle, battery and renewable energy sectors have fallen apart this year, a report found.

TSA warns Atlanta airport security delays could get worse during shutdown

As the government shutdown stretches into Day 21, Atlanta airport security delays could get worse, a TSA spokesperson confirmed.

The Latest

Stellantis plans to open a 422,000-square-foot Mopar Parts Distribution Center in Forsyth, about 60 miles south of Atlanta. (Courtesy of Stellantis)

Credit: Courtesy of Stellantis

Stellantis car parts facility planned for Georgia could mean quicker repairs

Why are Subarus so popular?

OPINION

Is this the Corvette of the future?

Featured

Coca-Cola plans to sell a majority stake in Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottler. (AJC FILE)

Coca-Cola strikes deal to sell majority stake in one of its biggest bottlers

Coca-Cola said Tuesday it will sell a majority stake in Africa’s largest Coca-Cola bottler. 

TSA warns Atlanta airport security delays could get worse during shutdown

As the government shutdown stretches into Day 21, Atlanta airport security delays could get worse, a TSA spokesperson confirmed.

Ga. teacher urged to resign after Charlie Kirk post is suing her employer

The high school English teacher says Oglethorpe County School System violated her First Amendment rights.