Gwinnett Place Mall Redevelopment Could Get a Boost From New Federal Tax Incentives

The long-awaited redevelopment of Gwinnett Place Mall could receive a boost from a new federal tax incentive program. Georgia has nominated 235 census tracts across 90 counties for the updated Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, including the area surrounding the former mall in Duluth.

Gwinnett County has nominated 13 census tracts, one of which includes the mall property. If approved, the designation could help attract private investment to a site that has struggled to maintain its former retail presence.

A New Vision for the Former Mall

The county's redevelopment vision includes up to 3,800 housing units, approximately 55,000 square feet of retail space, office space, a nearly five-acre park, and an international community cultural center.

Gwinnett County has also engaged commercial real estate firm CBRE to help identify a master developer. The goal is to transform the aging mall into a mixed-use destination with new housing, businesses, and community amenities.

How the Tax Incentives Could Help

The federal Opportunity Zone program is designed to encourage investment in economically distressed communities by offering potential tax benefits for qualifying investments. For a project as large as Gwinnett Place Mall, those incentives could help attract investors and improve the financial feasibility of redevelopment.

However, Georgia's nominated areas have not yet received federal certification. If approved, the new designations are expected to take effect on January 1, 2027. The nomination does not guarantee funding or ensure that the mall redevelopment will move forward.

The project will still depend on securing a development partner, financing, and the necessary approvals.

What Comes Next?

The nomination is a potentially positive development for Gwinnett County, but significant steps remain before construction can begin. Federal certification and the county's search for a master developer will be important milestones.

If the redevelopment advances, the proposed housing, retail, and public spaces could reshape the surrounding area and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.