Tucker to get DICK’s Sporting Goods and other high-end retailers
By: Jennie Kushner
Tucker Meridian, developed by Ben F. Kushner Co. to break ground summer 2015
Tucker/Northlake townies will no longer have to hop on interstate I-285 to access modern convinces of the retail-shopping world.
Ben F. Kushner Company confirmed Wednesday that Dick’s Sporting Good’s will be the first of many major national retailors to anchor a new shopping development to be called The Meridian at Tucker.
Currently on the 25 acres stands La Vista Office Park, a 285,000 square foot single-story office park built in 1973.
The center is located at the northeast intersection of La Vista Road and Northlake Parkway with easy access to the two interchanges off I-285 Northeast.
The current structure will be razed to make room for the new shopping center.
The Meridian will house several well-known retailers and dining destinations with the demolition of the current structure beginning summer 2015.
“We believe this development will be the catalyst to spur future new developments and redevelopment of existing retail spaces throughout the local area,” said General Manager of the Ben F. Kushner Co. Calvin Stephen.
“ Like the rest of Atlanta this community is experiencing the residential redevelopments and renovations at a pace not seen in years.”
The 200,000 square foot shopping haven will not only raise the retail experience and standard in Tucker, but will also serve as a neighborhood landmark.
With a walking path, national restaurants and convenient services, The Meridian’s developers are hoping to headway the enhancement and quality of growth of Tucker by refining the standards of shopping.
Currently North Lake Mall is the only major retailer in the area and has suffered from a loss of tenants and lack of higher-end shopping experiences.
“This center will act as a catalyst to improve other close by properties that have slipped into decline,” said Carl Taylor, a resident of Dekalb County for 40 years. “I remember when ‘Dynamic Dekalb’ was the slogan…..It is time to make decisions to move Dekalb back in that direction and this center is the first step in doing so.”
First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) reports the 30084 zip code of Tucker is the up-and-coming for Atlantans with 433 single-family homes sold in 2014.
With the cost of in-town living rising dramatically, Atlantans are creeping their way outside the perimeter to areas like Tucker that are close-in enough to access the convinces of city living.
“Tucker/Northlake is the hidden gem in the metro area,” said Ben Kushner, President of the Ben F. Kushner Co. “It is right on the edge of the premier and the prices are affordable for millennial. I believe it will experience the same revival that Brookhaven has recently undergone. We are very exciting for this project.
National retailers have approved approximately 150,000 square feet of the 2000,000 square feet, according to Stephenson.
Ann Rosenthal, President of the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District said The Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District is excited about Tucker Meriden and the national tenants that have committed.
“This is the first development project of its kind in the Northlake area in a number of years,” Rosenthal said. “We applaud Ben F. Kushner Co and his real estate team for sharing the CID’s vision in working to make the Tucker and Northlake areas a destination point.”
For inquires on the development of The Meridian contact Jennie Kushner: jennie@jenniekusher.com or jfkush@gmail.com