July 18
Gwinnett commissioners approve Gas South District design contract
By: Karen Huppertz
Published: July 18, 2018
Gwinnett Commissioners have approved a $2.59 million contract with the architectural firm of Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates Inc. for the Gas South District design renovation and expansion plans.
The new design will renovate the convention hall, grand ballroom and meeting spaces at the Forum, integrating them with a full-service Marriott hotel. Plans include doubling the size of the exhibit hall by at least 60,000 additional square feet to accommodate larger bookings, new outdoor gathering spaces, more parking, and a downtown entertainment district.
The improvements at the Gas South District are expected to turn Sugarloaf Parkway at Satellite Road into a hub of cultural, entertainment and retail activity, said District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks.
“With the additional meeting space, the Forum will be able to compete for up to 70 percent of the meetings market, which will help surrounding businesses,” he said.
North American Properties is the developer for Revel, the walkable entertainment district that will have eateries and shops where people can relax before or after events.