The city of Sandy Springs has taken another step forward in its developing City Center project, picking venue management company Global Spectrum to manage the project’s public gathering spots. Those include a planned performing arts center, family theater, meeting space and park.

City officials said Global Spectrum was one of three firms considered, and it got the nod for several reasons, including a local market presence in the southeast and its thorough research into Sandy Springs’ plans.

The Sandy Springs City Council Tuesday night gave the go-ahead for the city manager to negotiate a contract with the firm.

Other elements of the project planned to center along Roswell Road near Mt. Vernon Highway will include city offices and a mixed-use development featuring dining, retail shops and residential living.