Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville Eyed for Major Redevelopment

Branch Properties has unveiled plans to revitalize Gainesville’s Lakeshore Mall into a pedestrian-friendly community tailored to meet the needs of one of Georgia’s fastest-growing cities.

The project aims to transform the aging 493,000-square-foot property into a modern, mixed-use destination, offering residents and visitors a blend of retail, residential and recreational opportunities, the Atlanta Business Journal reported.

Redevelopment plans include 305,000 square feet of retail, 650 apartments and 38,000 square feet of green, with potential for a hotel or townhomes. The project will be a major undertaking for Branch, which acquired the 49-acre mall site for about $30 per square foot in 2022, according to Hall County property records.

“This redevelopment will transform underutilized spaces into a walkable, open-air environment that fosters connection, gathering and spontaneous interaction,” Jesse Shannon, president and chief investment officer at Branch Properties, told the outlet.

Located at 50 Pearl Nix Parkway off Dawsonville Highway, Lakeshore Mall has been a part of Gainesville’s landscape since its opening in 1970. Anchor tenants such as Belk will continue operations throughout the redevelopment process, while Dick’s Sporting Goods will eventually relocate to another area within the revamped site.

The project’s design aligns with a larger trend in metro Atlanta, where developers are converting outdated malls into contemporary mixed-use hubs. Similar transformations are underway across the region, including the redevelopment of Gwinnett Place Mall, North DeKalb Mall’s transition into Lulah Hills and the ambitious plans for The Mall West End in Atlanta.

The Lakeshore plan will be reviewed by the Developments of Regional Impact program, which assesses projects with potential regional infrastructure effects. Gainesville city officials are expected to address zoning entitlements in February, with construction scheduled to start in late 2026.

Retail leasing for the project will be managed by Len Erickson of Franklin Street.

— Andrew Terrell