Hard hats and construction trucks are beginning to move out of Avalon’s new wing.
The city-within-a-city in Alpharetta—a place where someone can work, live, eat and play—will unveil its second phase expansion to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 13.
But on Monday morning, North American Properties—the developer of the shopping hub—gave a tour of Avalon’s Boulevard East expansion to a few media members and special guests. Apple, Brooks Brothers, Williams Sonoma and other shops and eateries highlight what’s new at Avalon.
Here’s a full list of the places that are expected to open on April 13:
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Mark Toro, a top executive for NAP said Apple coming to Avalon had been “under wraps” for more than a year.
"(Apple's) announcements are unique," Toro said. "I've seen the store, and it is spectacular."
The Levi’s store at Avalon will be unique too. Like a select few other locations, the Levi’s at Avalon will offer custom-made jeans for its customers.
Because of Avalon’s open-container policy, several of the new restaurants, like Brine’s Seafood Shack, will offer beer to go.
Avalon’s expansion will also feature Veranda, a complex of 276 apartments. The floor plans range from studios to one- and two-bedrooms, and rent runs from $1,525 to $5,000 per month.
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The Boulevard East wing will also feature a nine-story brick and glass office tower. Microsoft will be a tenant there, using the building for regional offices and a training center. A second 10-story office tower, which would be the tallest building in Alpharetta, is also planned.
“Our office customers are really flocking to these locations that provide this kind of mixed use,” said John Heagy, a senior managing director for Hines, which helped develop Avalon. “They’re also looking for an urban setting.”
Toro added that Starbucks and Sundance—a clothing, decor and accessories retailer founded by Robert Redford—will open stores in Avalon in the near future too.
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While construction will mostly be finished on Boulevard East come April 13, work will continue at the only hotel at Avalon.
The hotel will feature a conference center, 330 rooms, a pool and a resturaunt. It will be nestled at the end of the Boulevard East expansion and Toro said it will be the only four-star full-service hotel in Alpharetta. The hotel will be affiliated with Marriott, but will be operated independently.
Between the hotel, business tower and new retail shops, Avalon will create an estimated 2,500 jobs with this expansion.
Still, it feels like Avalon is missing one thing, Toro said. “It hasn’t been discussed at length, but putting a MARTA station right near here would be a no-brainer.”
Toro did leave some mystery for the Avalon, declining to unveil what the newest restaurant will be. He said it will be announced on April 12.
Said Toro: “It’s someone we have pursued from day one and we finally got them.”
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