Forsyth County officials in coordination with Vernon Krause Monday evening announced plans for a large-scale entertainment hub that will compare in scale to The Battery.
Krause, CEO of Krause Auto Group, announced his vision for South Forsyth Monday in a move that plans for a 100-acre “world-class entertainment hub” for the residents of North Georgia. The Gathering at South Forsyth, as it’s currently named, will host best-in-class dining options, local and high-end retail, a boutique and business hotel, a community center, residential living options and an event arena.
The land planned for the development is located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Union Hill Road along Georgia 400. Originally, the area was slated to be a regional mall development more than 15 years ago. After the previous owner created multiple access points and updated the site infrastructure, plans for a full build-out never came to fruition.
Krause is a long-time resident of North Georgia, hosting businesses throughout the entire region. He aims to create a space for the community to come together through various activities and originally scouted locations in Fulton and Cobb Counties. Forsyth County District 2 Commissioner Alfred John later presented the option to bring that vision to South Forysth, prompting Krause to purchase the 100 acres.
“The community of South Forsyth holds great meaning for me,” Krause said in a release. “As a global entertainment hub, The Gathering at South Forsyth will provide residents, employers and visitors with the ability to see their favorite musician, experience a family-friendly ice show or eat at a James Beard-awarded restaurant without having to sit in their car for hours. The development will include the best in advanced technology, sustainability, walkability and connectivity — all within a comfortable and accessible setting.”
The development team plans to file an overlay district request on April 25. This will allow them to begin consideration of zoning types within the property, as well as any additional regulations they might need to meet in order for a successful build-out.
The development plan currently includes 1.6 million square feet of commercial and retail space, a 750,000 square foot arena, a 100,000 square foot community center, a 7,500 square foot fire station, 450 hotel rooms and an undisclosed number of residential units.
“The Gathering at South Forsyth will be an economic driver like no other,” Commissioner John said. “It will enhance what our county currently offers with an added focal point for world-class events, shopping and dining, and it will generate thousands of jobs both during, and after, construction. In addition, for the first time, our students and their families will be able to celebrate milestone achievements like graduations without limitations or being forced to travel outside the county’s boundaries. This best-in-class development will create a halo effect that will raise the county’s visibility and provide added economic growth opportunities.”
Forsyth County District 5 Commissioner Laura Semanson noted how The Gathering at South Forsyth mirrors other projects in the area, such as Halcyon and Avalon. The Halcyon development sits approximately one mile up Ronald Reagan Boulevard to the northeast.
“The vision is to create a village that makes use of the natural landscape surrounding the property,” Semanson said. “New transportation improvements in this area including the extension of Ronald Reagan Boulevard, the widening of McGinnis Ferry Road and the new interchange on 400 at McGinnis Ferry will mitigate traffic impacts in the area. Finally, it will provide the county with significant added tax revenue that will benefit every resident with long-term economic viability.”
The Gathering at South Forsyth will be introduced on April 25 at the Forsyth County Commission work session at 2 p.m. in the County Administration Building in Cumming. Public engagement will be scheduled for sometime in May, according to county officials.
