Over the past decade, the rapid rise of e-commerce has transformed how Americans shop. From everyday essentials to major purchases, consumers increasingly rely on online retailers that offer fast shipping, convenient returns and a seemingly endless selection of products. As online shopping gained popularity, many traditional shopping malls across the country began experiencing declining foot traffic and store closures.
However, the story of the American mall is not simply one of decline. Instead, many aging retail centers are evolving. Across the country and throughout metro Atlanta, developers are transforming underperforming malls into vibrant mixed-use destinations that combine shopping, dining, entertainment, residential living and office space. These redevelopment projects are breathing new life into properties that once struggled to compete in a rapidly changing retail environment.
Why Atlanta Mall Redevelopment Is Increasing
Redeveloping aging shopping centers has become an increasingly popular strategy for developers and municipalities alike. Many malls occupy large parcels of land in highly visible locations with established infrastructure and easy access to major roadways or public transportation. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for mixed-use redevelopment.
In addition, consumer preferences have shifted toward walkable destinations where people can live, work and socialize in one place. Modern redevelopment projects often introduce apartments, hotels, offices and entertainment venues alongside retail spaces. This mix of uses creates steady foot traffic throughout the day while providing experiences that online shopping cannot replicate.
For metro Atlanta, mall redevelopment represents an opportunity to revitalize existing properties while supporting long-term growth across the region.
Rather than simply replacing traditional retail, many of these projects are creating entirely new destinations. Some retain successful shopping centers while adding hospitality, wellness and entertainment. Others repurpose vacant anchor stores or replace aging malls with walkable mixed-use communities.
So, what’s going on with mall redevelopment in Atlanta? Here’s a roundup:
Cumberland Mall
Plans for redevelopment around Cumberland Mall focus on creating a more connected and walkable district, including new office and residential development on portions of the mall’s existing parking areas. The goal is to create stronger connections among Cumberland Mall, Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta and other nearby destinations.
Another major project supporting the area’s evolution is the Cumberland Sweep, a three-mile multimodal path designed to connect Cumberland Mall, Truist Park, The Battery Atlanta, Cobb Galleria and surrounding destinations. Construction on one segment is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion expected in 2028.
Gwinnett Place Mall
Once one of the region’s busiest retail centers, Gwinnett Place Mall is moving toward a major transformation into a modern mixed-use district anchored by improved transit connections.
Gwinnett County and its Urban Redevelopment Agency now control 87.5 acres of the mall property, including the former Sears site acquired in 2025. Long-term plans call for a walkable activity center with housing, retail, green space and cultural uses.
The redevelopment will also include the future Gwinnett Place Transit Center, which is expected to improve access to rapid bus service along Satellite Boulevard. The transit center is currently projected for completion in 2032.
The project demonstrates how mall redevelopment can extend beyond the property itself by connecting new development with regional transportation infrastructure.
Lenox Square
Located in the heart of Buckhead, Lenox Square continues to evolve while maintaining its position as one of Atlanta’s premier shopping destinations.
The mall’s two-story glass façade enhances its presence along Peachtree Road and provides a dramatic entrance for visitors. Lenox Square remains home to major department stores including Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, along with nearly 250 specialty stores.
In recent years, the mall has welcomed new retail and dining concepts, reinforcing its position as a luxury shopping destination. Rather than replacing the traditional mall model entirely, Lenox Square illustrates how an established retail center can adapt through physical improvements, new tenants and an evolving mix of experiences.
Mall West End
Redevelopment efforts are also underway at Mall West End on Atlanta’s west side. In October 2024, developers BRP Companies and The Prusik Group acquired the property with plans to transform it into One West End, a mixed-use development designed to create a more connected neighborhood.
The 12-acre project is planned to include more than 125,000 square feet of retail, more than 800 rental and student-targeted housing units, a hotel, public green space, fitness amenities and other community-focused uses. The development will also include a mix of workforce and affordable housing.
Phase One is slated for completion in 2028, marking another major step in the transformation of the former mall site and the continued investment in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood.
The Mall at Stonecrest
The Mall at Stonecrest is taking an adaptive reuse approach to reinvention. The former Sears department store has been transformed into Priví, a 143,000-square-foot destination featuring entertainment, wellness, creative spaces and dining.
The next phase includes a 40,000-square-foot food hall with 13 restaurant and cocktail concepts, scheduled to open in fall 2026. The project demonstrates how vacant anchor spaces can be repurposed for experiences that go beyond traditional retail.
Rather than relying solely on traditional stores to attract visitors, the redevelopment is creating destinations centered on dining, entertainment, wellness and community experiences.
North DeKalb Mall
The former North DeKalb Mall is being transformed into Lulah Hills, a large mixed-use redevelopment planned for the site.
The project took a major step forward in March 2026 when Crescent Communities, EDENS and NTT Urban Development broke ground on NOVEL Lulah Hills, the first vertical phase of the larger redevelopment. The initial phase includes 303 apartments and more than 39,000 square feet of retail space.
The broader Lulah Hills development is planned to include housing, retail, restaurants, green space, parks and trails, creating a walkable destination connected to surrounding neighborhoods and nearby Emory University.
The redevelopment is also attracting new retail concepts. L.L.Bean announced plans for its first Georgia store at Lulah Hills, joining other planned retailers including Anthropologie, Design Within Reach and Herman Miller.
The transformation of North DeKalb Mall illustrates how a former shopping center can evolve into something much larger: a new neighborhood with housing, retail, public spaces and opportunities for residents to live, work and play.
Phipps Plaza
Luxury shopping destination Phipps Plaza has undergone an extensive transformation that adds hospitality, wellness, dining and office uses to its traditional retail offerings.
The property is now home to Nobu Hotel Atlanta, Life Time, Life Time Work and One Phipps Plaza, a 13-story office building. The redevelopment also introduced Citizens Market, a 24,000-square-foot food hall featuring multiple restaurant concepts.
Macon Mall
Macon Mall has taken a unique approach to redevelopment by repurposing former retail spaces for community-focused uses.
The former Belk department store is now home to Rhythm & Rally, a 150,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility featuring 32 courts across two floors. The facility has been promoted as the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
The former mall property has also welcomed government offices and the Atrium Health Amphitheater, an outdoor entertainment venue that opened in 2024 and can accommodate up to 10,000 people.
The Future of Shopping Centers
While traditional enclosed malls once dominated suburban retail, the next generation of shopping destinations looks very different. Across metro Atlanta, redevelopment projects are transforming aging malls and shopping centers into dynamic destinations that blend housing, entertainment, dining, retail, hospitality, wellness and community spaces.
By prioritizing experiences, connectivity and community-focused spaces, these redeveloped properties are helping redefine the role of retail centers in modern cities. The American mall may be disappearing in its traditional form, but the land and infrastructure surrounding these properties are taking on new life.
To stay updated on real estate trends and events in the metro Atlanta area, visit www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta Malls
Which Atlanta malls are being redeveloped?
Several former and existing malls in metro Atlanta are undergoing redevelopment or major transformation, including Gwinnett Place Mall, Mall West End, the former North DeKalb Mall site and the Mall at Stonecrest. Other established malls, including Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza, have evolved by adding new dining, hospitality, wellness and office uses.
What is replacing North DeKalb Mall?
The former North DeKalb Mall site is being redeveloped as Lulah Hills, a mixed-use community with housing, retail, restaurants, green space, parks and trails. The first vertical phase, NOVEL Lulah Hills, includes apartments and retail space.
Is Gwinnett Place Mall being redeveloped?
Yes. Gwinnett County and its Urban Redevelopment Agency are pursuing a large-scale redevelopment of the Gwinnett Place property. Plans include mixed-use development and a future Gwinnett Place Transit Center, with the broader vision focused on creating a more walkable activity center.
Why are malls being redeveloped?
Many aging malls occupy large, well-connected parcels of land that can support a wider mix of uses. Redevelopment allows these properties to adapt to changing consumer preferences by incorporating housing, dining, entertainment, offices, hospitality, wellness and public spaces alongside or instead of traditional retail.
