The former Olympic Tennis Center near Stone Mountain may become Gwinnett’s third Costco location. Costco has locations now in Duluth and Buford.
On Tuesday, Gwinnett commissioners set in motion the sale of the Stone Mountain Tennis Center site to Fuqua Acquisitions II, LLC for approximately $5.6 million. The sale will open the door to the site’s long-anticipated redevelopment.
The County acquired the 26-acre property in 2016 as an opportunity to revitalize the underused site and stimulate redevelopment in one of the major gateways into Gwinnett County. Through a competitive solicitation process, the county partnered with Fuqua Acquisitions II, LLC, to redevelop the property.
Last October, the land was rezoned for a regional mixed-use development that will encompass wholesale retail, four restaurants and multifamily residential, including 50 dedicated affordable housing units. The project is expected to create 520 permanent retail and dining jobs, and approximately 400 construction jobs will be created during the two-plus years the redevelopment will be in progress.
Community greenspace, transit enhancements and additional transportation improvements are amenities planned for the site.
Jeff Fuqua, principal of Fuqua Acquisitions II, LLC, says: “I am excited about this development and what it will mean for current and future residents to be able to access shopping, dining, and employment opportunities right in their backyard.”
Fuqua and its development partners will invest an estimated $158.8 million to redevelop the tennis center site. Fuqua Development is a real estate development firm specializing in urban retail mixed-use supercenters. The company has developed such notable local projects as Peachtree Corners Town Center and The Exchange @ Gwinnett near the Mall of Georgia, as well as the retail portion of The Battery at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Deadline near for Gwinnett Youth Commission
High school-age students in Gwinnett County are invited to apply to the Gwinnett Youth Commission (GYC), a year-long leadership development program. GYC focuses on personal and professional development, civic engagement, and public service. Youth Commissioners are representative voices of the County’s youth and serve as representatives to elected officials.
The application deadline is Friday, April 5. Learn more and apply at GwinnettYouthCommission.com.
GGC launches fermentation science program
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has launched the first bachelor-level fermentation science program in Georgia and one of the few in the nation. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the rapidly expanding field of fermentation science.
Fewer than 20 bachelor-level fermentation programs are available in the U.S, mostly in Northern and Western states. GGC’s program is the first one south of North Carolina.
StillFire Brewing brewmaster Phil Farrell leads GGC fermentation science students on a tour. Provided.
Dr. Omar Villanueva, chair of GGC’s Chemistry Department, said the fermentation science concentration, offered through GGC’s Bachelor of Science in chemistry program, will provide students with a comprehensive curriculum encompassing the science, technology and business aspects of fermentation across various industries, including food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and more.
He says: “Fermentation is a fundamental process with countless applications, from producing craft beer and artisanal cheeses to developing life-saving pharmaceuticals. Our fermentation science concentration will provide students with a unique, interdisciplinary education that combines biology, chemistry, microbiology and business, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in this dynamic field.”
The curriculum will cover a range of topics, including microbial physiology, fermentation technology, quality control, product development, regulatory affairs and entrepreneurship. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships with industry partners and collaborative research projects.
The average salary of a fermentation scientist is $105,651 per year, according to the Glassdoor job and recruiting site.
Dr. Chavonda Mills, dean of GGC’s School of Science and Technology, says: “The fermentation concentration exemplifies our dedication to innovation in providing students with the education needed for outstanding career opportunities and meeting the evolving needs of industries. We are confident that graduates of this program will be well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the fermentation field.”
Applications for the fermentation science concentration at Georgia Gwinnett College are now open for the upcoming academic year. Prospective students interested in pursuing a career in fermentation science are encouraged to apply and join the ranks of future industry leaders.
- For more information about the fermentation science concentration within GGC’s Bachelor of Science in chemistry program, visit www.ggc.edu/chemistrydegree.
Explore Gwinnett wins gold award for its visitors’ guide
Explore Gwinnett has earned a Gold Award as part of the 32nd Annual North American Travel Journalists Awards (NATJA) Competition in the visitors’ guide (printed or digital) or website category. The destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County was recognized for the Explore Gwinnett Magazine, which it produces annually in partnership with Atlanta Magazine Custom Publishing.
The Explore Gwinnett Magazine is an annual publication highlighting the unique attributes and experiences that Metro Atlanta offers. The publication features a team of 11 contributors who work together to capture the essence of Gwinnett County’s charm in compelling stories. Visitors can read the digital edition of the magazine HERE.
Lisa Anders, executive director of Explore Gwinnett, says: “We take immense pride in our visitor magazine as it showcases the rich tapestry of experiences our vibrant destination has to offer. Each page is meticulously crafted, and it brings me great joy to see our team and our partners at Atlanta Magazine recognized for the unwavering dedication that went into producing this year’s 87-page publication.”
- For more information on Explore Gwinnett, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.
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