Jamestown Interview: What’s Next for the North Point Mall Redevelopment Post-Approval?
After a narrow 4-3 vote, the Alpharetta City Council has officially approved Jamestown’s rezoning application for the North Point Mall redevelopment. This vote clears the way for the 100-acre site to become a walkable, sports-anchored entertainment district built around the pursuit of an NHL franchise.
With zoning secured, Jamestown moves into its next phase: design, infrastructure planning, and permitting, all while North Point Mall continues operating as usual for shoppers and tenants in the meantime.
The Alpharetta.com team had the opportunity to speak with Frances Bohn, Director of Development and Construction – North America at Jamestown, to discuss what happens next, where things stand with the NHL, and what the community can expect as the North Point district begins to take shape.
The Alpharetta City Council just approved the North Point Mall redevelopment project in a narrow 4-3 vote. What are your team’s immediate next steps?
“Achieving the zoning approval allows us to move into the next phase of pre-development work, which includes design, infrastructure planning, and permitting, among other items. Our teams will also begin conducting non-invasive site work as part of the preliminary design and planning process.”
Can you give us an update on Jamestown’s current dialogue with the NHL and your confidence that Alpharetta will eventually land an expansion team?
“Now that the North Point redevelopment plan has been approved by the Alpharetta City Council, our team is focused on finding the best possible ownership group for an NHL expansion team. That process is underway and, for the time being, confidential. If the NHL owners decide to expand to Atlanta, we think North Point offers the best possible home. There is, however, no certainty that the NHL will return to Atlanta.”
If the NHL ultimately chooses another market, does Jamestown still intend to redevelop North Point Mall, and what elements of that project would differ from the arena district that was just approved?
“The approved proposal will not move forward without an NHL team. While we cannot say definitively what a new plan would look like if the NHL does not choose to expand to Atlanta, the site is still primed for a mixed-use destination with residential, office, retail, entertainment concepts, and community gathering components.
We would need to revisit our design plans and come back to the City of Alpharetta with an updated plan for review and approval, with the ultimate goal to still revitalize the North Point District.”
As you transform North Point Mall, are there plans to preserve and integrate beloved elements or stores, such as the North Point Carousel, into the new development?
“We have listened to feedback from both the City and the greater community, and continue utilizing that input to help inform how the district will take shape. The beloved North Point Carousel will be integrated into the site in some way. Several of the anchor stores will also stay, though we cannot definitively say what the retail offerings will be yet.
As design plans continue evolving, we remain committed to identifying opportunities that preserve the character and nostalgia the community has come to associate with North Point Mall over the years.”
The North Point Mall redevelopment is competing with The Gathering at South Forsyth for an NHL expansion team. What makes the North Point Mall location and plan the superior pitch to the NHL?
“If anything, having two proposals in metro Atlanta only confirms our belief that this market is ready for NHL hockey. While we can’t speak to the other project, what we’d point to is our experience and location. Jamestown is known for creating design-forward, mixed-use destinations anchored by great retail, and we’ve partnered with Machete, who bring a best-in-class track record delivering sports-anchored districts, to complement our experience.
The North Point site also brings built-in advantages that are hard to replicate: an established commercial corridor with utilities and event-capable infrastructure, superior GA-400 access (Mansell, Haynes Bridge, and Old Milton interchanges) and a mature arterial grid (North Point Pkwy, Mansell, Old Milton) for distributed ingress/egress, a planned MARTA station utilizing new ELT lanes, and a thriving commercial base amplified by Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta.”
Many residents are worried that their taxes will go up to pay for this massive redevelopment. Will local taxpayers be carrying the financial burden for this new project?
“Public investment tied to this redevelopment is funded through the new tax revenue the project itself creates, not through any increase in taxes on existing residents or businesses.”
What is the most realistic timeline for when the community will actually see shovels in the ground and construction begin?
“The expected timeline remains the same following the approval – any redevelopment activity is not anticipated for another year, or potentially longer. The mall will be open and operating as usual while behind-the-scenes planning progresses, and a construction start date is still to be determined.”
For the business owners currently operating inside North Point Mall, what does this transition period look like? Will the mall remain fully open for shoppers during this pre-development phase?
“Yes, the mall is still open and operating as normal during this pre-development phase. We remain in close communication with the tenants at North Point Mall, and they will be made aware of any changes throughout this process. We are focused on daily operations, supporting our tenants, and continuing to bring guests to the property.
We look forward to bringing back seasonal programming like North Point Mall Fall Fest on October 17, Santa during the holiday season, and other experiences for our community to enjoy.”
What are some final words for the Alpharetta community about this project?
“Our overall goal is to bring North Point back to its heyday and revive it as a thriving regional destination. We are paying close attention to the community’s needs and desires, and look forward to announcing more exciting plans for this project as the pre-development phase advances.”