GWINNETT COUNTY — The long-awaited transformation of Gwinnett Place Mall took a major step forward this week as the Urban Redevelopment Agency of Gwinnett County approved the $11.5 million purchase of the former Sears property, adding 11.5 acres to the publicly owned portion of the site.
Once the deal closes, expected by the end of October, Gwinnett County and the Urban Redevelopment Agency will jointly own 87.5 acres of the mall property, paving the way for a major redevelopment aimed at revitalizing the heart of the county.
The project will turn the once-declining shopping center into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use community with housing, businesses, green space and improved public transportation…