The group planning to redevelop the site of Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville says they're looking for local business buy-in for the new project.
Branch Properties presented their plans for the redeveloped site to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's monthly meeting at the Gainesville Civic Center on Thursday. The group got approval from the Gainesville City Council in early February for plans to tear down most of the existing mall and re-imagine the space as an open mixed-use development.
The plans call for retail and restaurant space along with townhomes and apartment units. The only businesses that have confirmed they will stay on the site are Belk and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Branch Properties President Jesse Shannon said they're hoping to see local North Georgia businesses help populate the space.
"I think if you're strictly marketing to national and regional brands, you may lose the community. It doesn't really differentiate the project from anywhere else that they could shop, other than proximity," Shannon said after Thursday's meeting. "What we really want are businesses that are established and successful in Gainesville so that people are familiar with the businesses and will support the businesses and really make the project feel familiar to the customer."
Shannon said Branch Properties has started a marketing campaign to try to draw local businesses to the development.
"We really weren't in a position to do that until we were successfully zoned, because we weren't sure how, ultimately, that would play out," Shannon said. "The vast majority of the tenants we are targeting will be local tenants."
Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Evans said he was glad to hear Branch Properties reaching out to the local business community for support. He also said he believes the site could present good opportunities for local businesses looking to grow.
"I think this is endemic of redevelopment, and a site that has been a great retail site for more than 55 years is going to have a new life," Evans said. "The way we shop has changed. We no longer go to indoor malls. We tend to want to park right outside where we want to go in terms of shopping."
Evans also said he believes the redevelopment could have a positive effect on the areas surrounding Lakeshore as well.
"Whenever you do a development of that scale and size, it does have a benefit to the neighboring property uses, so it will attract more people to come, not only to live, but to eat out, enjoy concerts and do things actively on the site that will spill over into other neighboring areas," Evans said.
Shannon said they have already entered talks with some businesses about coming to Lakeshore. During Thursday's meeting, he hinted to chamber members that they are in "advanced discussions" with an unnamed organic grocery store to occupy a spot near the relocated Dick's Sporting Goods.
"Our hope is within the next 30 days, we can make that announcement (about the grocery store,)" Shannon said.
Demolition of the existing Lakeshore Mall and subsequent construction on the new development is expected to begin in late 2026.
