The City of Sandy Springs today approved an incentive package to support Woodfield Development’s redevelopment of North River Shopping Center, marking a significant milestone in the City's long-term effort to revitalize the north end. The approval advances Woodfield’s planned transformation of the aging commercial center into a new mixed-use neighborhood featuring 336 multifamily residences, 85 for-sale townhomes, retail, restaurants, and a new public park.
\n\nWoodfield Development has approximately eight acres of the 13-acre North River Shopping Center site at 8830 Roswell Road under contract and will spearhead the redevelopment. To help advance the project and its community benefits, City Council approved targeted incentives.
\n\nThe incentives include waiving the City’s recreation impact and permit fees, as well as a recommendation for the Sandy Springs Development Authority to authorize a 10-year property tax abatement. Together, the incentives are valued at just over $4.3 million and are contingent upon demolition of the existing shopping center and construction of the approved redevelopment and City park by Woodfield Development.
\n\nAfter Woodfield placed the site under contract with the current owner of North River Shopping Center, City staff began working with Woodfield to align the project with community priorities identified through the City’s North End planning efforts*. The resulting plan will replace the aging commercial center with a phased mixed-use neighborhood designed to introduce new housing, retail and restaurants while creating a more walkable and connected destination for the surrounding community.
\n\nA central component of the redevelopment will be a 0.71-acre public park, which Woodfield will construct as part of the redevelopment and ultimately deed to the City. The City will assume ownership and ongoing maintenance of the park upon completion. Plans include native landscaping, two playgrounds, open turf for recreation and community events, shaded porch seating, public restrooms, and flexible space designed to accommodate live music and other neighborhood programming.
\n\nMayor Rusty Paul said: This project represents the vision we've had for the north end for years. Today's action demonstrates Sandy Springs' commitment to working alongside the private sector to create vibrant, connected places that improve quality of life and strengthen Sandy Springs for generations to come.
Patrick Kassin of Woodfield Development said: We have tremendous confidence in Sandy Springs and are excited to make a significant long-term investment in the North End. Projects of this scale and complexity don’t happen without strong leadership, and we’re incredibly appreciative of Mayor Paul, City Council and City staff for their vision and commitment to the North End. From the beginning, they have approached this as a true partnership, working collaboratively with our team to solve challenges and create a plan that reflects the community’s vision while making this redevelopment possible. We’re proud to be part of that effort and look forward to transforming North River into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood and gathering place for the Sandy Springs community.
Woodfield Development brings more than two decades of experience developing large-scale multifamily and mixed-use communities across the Southeast and is ranked among the nation’s top 20 multifamily developers. In Georgia, the Charleston-based firm has developed or has underway seven communities totaling 2,181 residences, representing more than $602 million in development. North River builds upon Woodfield’s growing metro Atlanta portfolio and its focus on mixed-use and master-planned environments that integrate housing with retail, recreation and community amenities.
\n\nLocated within walking distance of the Chattahoochee River and nearby trail connections, North River is positioned to build upon the area's natural assets while creating a more connected, pedestrian-friendly environment along the Roswell Road corridor.
\n\nConstruction is expected to begin later this year, following Woodfield’s acquisition of the property and satisfaction of all development conditions. The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for additional investment throughout the north end corridor, advancing the City's long-term vision for one of Sandy Springs' most strategic redevelopment areas.
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* More on City’s North End planning efforts - In 2018, Sandy Springs established the North End Redevelopment Task Force (www.sandyspringsga.gov/north-end-revitalization-task-force) to identify opportunities for revitalization in one of the community's key commercial corridors. Building on that work, the City launched the North End Revitalization Plan (www.sandyspringsga.gov/north-end-redevelopment) in 2020, which evaluated priority redevelopment sites, including North River Shopping Center, through market analysis, site planning and implementation strategies.
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Media Contact – Woodfield Development
\nLaura Acker Menscher
\nlaura.acker@krepspr.com