GAINESVILLE, Ga. — An Atlanta-based real estate company and development firm announced it received unanimous rezoning approval to redevelop Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville.
The City of Gainesville approved Branch Properties request for rezoning, allowing construction and development to move forward at the site of the mall.
Going forward, Branch Properties said in a statement that they plan to break ground on the new Lakeshore in late 2026.
“City Council approval brings us closer to creating the elevated communal hub we envision for Gainesville and Greater North Georgia,” Jesse Shannon, president, partner and chief investment officer at Branch Properties, said in a statement. “Over the next few years, we will transform Lakeshore into a dynamic, pedestrian-friendly destination, reimagining underutilized space into an open-air environment that fosters connection, gathering and a sense of community. We look forward to working closely with the city to bring this vision to life.”
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The company said the redevelopment comes as “Lakeshore is primed to become Gainesville’s premier town center,” due to its location between Lake Lanier and Interstate 985.
The property itself is supposed to be completed in 2028, bringing more than 650 multifamily residential units and more than 305,000 square feet of retail space.
Company officials said there will also be 38,200 square feet of outdoor community greenspace and will also include options to build a hotel and townhomes in future phases.
The current anchor stores for Lakeshore Mall, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk, will stay open during the Lakeshore redevelopment and Dick’s is expected to relocate inside the property upon completion.
“Gainesville has undergone significant growth, with the population increasing by 15% in the past five years, fueled by the draw of Lake Lanier and migration from Atlanta suburbs,” Shannon said. “The transformation of Lakeshore will establish Gainesville’s new community heart—an inviting destination that cultivates connection and community through thoughtfully designed public spaces and expansive greenspace. Every element of this process has been carefully crafted to reflect and serve the needs of Gainesville and Greater North Georgia.”
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