Investment and growth are occurring regularly throughout greater Gwinnett Place. The Board of Directors of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District has focused on improving the area’s physical infrastructure and creating an environment conducive for economic redevelopment in Gwinnett’s central business district. Our efforts are bearing tangible results.
Businesses are moving to, and investing in, the Gwinnett Place area as a result of the cohesive working partnership of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, GPCID and the Gwinnett Chamber’s Partnership Gwinnett initiative. Proactive strategies and incentive tools are in place.
During 2013 alone, 475 new jobs were created in the area. Private-sector investments in greater Gwinnett Place include:
• ViaSat Inc., a producer of satellite and digital communication products for government and commercial customers, expanded its building — a $10.5 million investment — and added 275 jobs.
• National DCP, a sourcing, purchasing and distribution partner for Dunkin’ Donuts, added 125 jobs.
• The Dennis Group, a construction management firm, opened its corporate offices in Gwinnett Place and added 35 jobs.
• VetConnexx, which specializes in customer service for Fortune 500 companies, opened a contact center with 300 jobs.
Gwinnett Place’s global presence grew with the addition of the U.S. headquarters of HAMACO Industries Corp., a subsidiary of a Japanese trading company in the automotive parts business; and Okaya (USA) Inc., an importer and exporter and iron and steel products. TravelSky, a China-based IT solutions developer for the airline and tourism industry, will bring 50 jobs to the area with the opening of its U.S. Development Center.
National real estate firms continue to invest in the greater Gwinnett Place area. The district welcomed Moonbeam Capital Investments LLC., the private real estate equity firm that purchased Gwinnett Place Mall in October, 2013. Additionally, Rivercrest Realty Investors’ purchase of Gwinnett Marketfair is a significant win for area retailing. Biscayne Atlantic purchased the Gwinnett Commerce Center, a 10-story, 214,000 square-foot Class A office building in the district in a joint venture with Red Starr Investments and PointOne Holdings.
These successes are a result of strong partnerships and a strategic plan to transform Gwinnett Place over the coming years. More expansions and relocations to the area will be announced soon. We will continue with our commitment to bring economic redevelopment and success to the central business district of Gwinnett County.
Leo Wiener chairs the Board of Directors of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District.
