Business & Tech

Former Target, Tennis Center Still Awaits Change

Proposed project for a hotel, town home and sports complex on the site is on hold.

The former Super Target on West Park Place and the adjacent tennis center aren't close to a massive redevelopment vision proposed by both a consultant and a developer earlier this year.

"Nothing has changed. We're still open to potential developers," said Bob Cowhig, director of planning and Ddevelopment with the Stone Mountain Memorial Association, which owns the tennis center.

The Super Target and the Stone Mountain Tennis Center, which was the site of 1996 Olympic tennis events, take up 27 acres. They are a just a few miles from Lilburn.

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Last year, a consultant said a rebirth of the property -- including turning , and the Target into an indoor sports training facility -- would require around $51 million in public investments for the stadium and for transportation improvements, and $158 million from private investment.

A redevelopment proposal by Stone Mountain Athletic and Recreational Training (SMART Center) to Gwinnett County months ago included an arena, 33 sports fields, 700 hotel rooms, 915 town homes and 180,000 square feet of commercial space.

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SMART Center partner Tom Pugh, contacted by Patch via e-mail, said the project is on hold.

The present economy doesn't help get a huge undertaking like the ones proposed off the ground, said Evermore Community Improvement District executive director Jim Brooks.

"With those plans there are some challenges based on economic conditions and the glut of foreclosed houses around the metro Atlanta area," Brooks said. "If there's a developer that comes in with $100 million, there's ample space to include the tennis complex."

Brooks said Super Target, at 2055 W.Park Place Blvd. was up for auction in late May/early June, but didn't fetch the $5 million goal.

Patch contacted Minnesota-based Target about the property and received this e-mail response from the retailer's communications department: "Target is actively marketing the property in Stone Mountain, Georgia. However, we do not have any additional details to share."

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