The Plaza a new open-air shopping center in East Cobb

North American Properties (NAP) has gained unanimous approval from the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for its redevelopment plan of the Avenue East Cobb, an open-air shopping center located in the northeast Atlanta suburb of Marietta.

Plans call for a portion of the central building near Kale Me Crazy to be demolished to make way for an 8,000-square-foot area called The Plaza that will be surrounded by restaurants with patios. The Plaza will feature a covered, raised stage for performances; an LED screen for broadcasting live events; and a deck with soft, flexible seating. Connected to The Plaza will be a 500-square-foot concierge building with optional valet that will be offered seasonally and during large-scale events.

Two 2,500-square-foot, standalone retail and restaurant buildings will also be constructed adjacent to the concierge station. Additionally, NAP has secured new leases with Warby Parker, New York Butcher Shoppe and Tempur-Pedic, as well as a Kendra Scott pop-up and Vanilla Café.

The Cincinnati-based developer will begin the permitting process immediately with plans to host a public groundbreaking celebration later this fall. NAP is partnering with PGIM Real Estate for the redevelopment of Avenue East Cobb, which Atlanta-based Cousins Properties opened in 1999.