It wasn't long ago that the first phase of Avalon opened in Alpharetta to much fanfare and a debut party that lasted several weeks. A slice of urbanity in the far northern suburbs, the mixed-use development filled up with high-end retail and swanky (read: ultra-expensive) residences, and it was recognized last year by the Urban Land Institute as the "Project of the Year." Now, work is underway on a major expansion of the project. And for those that love construction, there's a camera feed of progress on the site, which shows just how quickly this second phase is rising.
According to an article in the North Fulton Herald following the opening of Phase I, the second phase will include 276 apartments, a new office building, a hotel, and even a conference center. At the moment, construction has focused on a large parking deck (this being the middle of suburbia, it's not like people are going to walk to Avalon) but concrete columns have recently risen from the ground, marking construction on the retail and residential portions, too.
But the second phase of Avalon is far from the only bellwether that suggests the mega-project is working. In fact, the success of Avalon has led to the announcement of other mixed-use developments along the Ga. Highway 400 corridor. Clearly the importation of islands of urbanity into a sea of unending suburbia appeals to many metro Atlantans.
- Avalon Phase 2 construction camera [Precision Concrete Construction Co.]
- Alpharetta approves Avalon Phase II [North Fulton Herald]