Contributor: Renee Areng, Presidenti & CEO
Certified Destination Management Executive
Certified Diversity Travel Professional
Explore Brookhaven
Brookhaven Unveils Design for New City Centre: A Blend of Modernity and Nature
Project Achieves Milestone Topping-Out Event Friday, Oct. 4, 2024
The City of Brookhaven and Explore Brookhaven, the destination marketing organization for the city, are excited to unveil the design details of its new 74,000-square-foot City Centre, which just hosted its ceremonial topping-out event on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the construction process.
BROOKHAVEN, GA (OCT. 24, 2024) – The City of Brookhaven and Explore Brookhaven, the destination marketing organization for the city, are excited to unveil the design details of its new 74,000-square-foot City Centre, which just hosted its ceremonial topping-out event on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the construction process. This modern and innovative structure is set to become a central location for the young, growing city, providing both city services and a welcoming gathering place for its citizens.
Renée Areng, president & CEO of Explore Brookhaven, stated, “This new City Centre will not only serve as a hub for municipal services but also as a vibrant community space, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.”
Designed by the renowned Sizemore Group, the new three-story building incorporates concrete, stone, exposed timbers, and glass, featuring an open-air atrium that brings a sense of the natural world into the heart of the city.
The future Brookhaven City Centre will be a gathering space for conducting the people’s business, celebrating as a community, exchanging ideas, and serving as a focal point for the City of Brookhaven within the Atlanta metropolitan area. The facility will be located on a one-acre tract of land at the corner of Peachtree Road and North Druid Hills Road on the existing long-term MARTA parking lot. The City of Brookhaven acquired the lot from MARTA in 2022 for the purposes of this project.
Visitors entering the new City Centre will pass under an entrance structure designed to resemble a tree canopy, immediately setting a tone of natural harmony. Inside, trees are planted throughout the atrium, and natural elements are integrated into the design, creating a welcoming and serene environment. The building and interiors feature a dynamic design characterized by sweeping curves, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and fostering a sense of fluidity throughout the space.
“The design of the Brookhaven City Centre reflects our commitment to health and wellness while prioritizing sustainability,” said Areng. “We believe this building will redefine what a civic space can be, making it truly worthy of the ‘People’s House’ moniker.”
The project is budgeted for $78 million, with $60 million allocated for construction costs and $18 million for soft costs and contingency.
The current design includes a three-story atrium with a skylight and adjacent event space that totals approximately 6,000 square feet for community gatherings and rentals, supported by a catering kitchen. The design also features a rooftop terrace for public event use, offering beautiful views of Brookhaven, Buckhead, and Stone Mountain. The top level of the building will feature a rooftop garden, complete with an observatory-shaped structure. This space offers a unique blend of functionality and tranquility, providing city officials with a refreshing environment in which to work and host various functions. The building will include one level of below-grade parking comprising 70 spaces.
The new facility will include a balanced mix of office space and larger areas that can accommodate events such as meetings, banquets, receptions, and more. A café within the building will offer coffee and grab-and-go items, enhancing convenience for visitors and staff alike.
Once completed, the structure will exude a sense of permanence and gravitas suitable for conducting city business while also maintaining a light and open atmosphere. This combination makes it an ideal venue for a wide range of community groups and events, including social, military, educational, reunions, and fraternal gatherings.
The building will be occupied by:
• Mayor and Council offices
• City Council Chambers
• Office of the City Clerk
• Human Resources Department
• Finance Department
• City Attorney’s Office
• City Manager’s Office
• Communications Department
• Information Technology Department
• Community/Event Space
• Explore Brookhaven Offices, Store, Visitor Center, and Coffee Shop.
The city council meeting room, a pivotal space for civic engagement, features essential components including seating arrangements for council members and the public, audiovisual equipment for presentations, and a podium for speakers, ensuring transparent governance and public participation in decision-making processes. The space is expected to have a functional yet elegant space for official meetings.
The Brookhaven City Centre will be built to U.S. Green Building Council “LEED – Gold” standards, which signifies “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.” LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. The building will also include elements for WELL building certification, which focuses on enhancing occupants’ health and well-being through improved indoor environmental quality.
To support the promotion and functionality of this new structure, two new team members have been added to the Explore Brookhaven team. John Pricher will lead the organization's strategic marketing initiatives, showcasing Brookhaven's vibrant culture, diverse amenities, and welcoming atmosphere. David Kemp will oversee the planning, execution, and profitability of City Centre events, driving sales initiatives and enhancing community events as Explore Brookhaven has been tasked by the city to manage City Centre. Areng shared, “We are proud to have a strong relationship with the City of Brookhaven. We look forward to creating this unique partnership for the Brookhaven City Centre. It is truly a ground-breaking opportunity.”
The design team for this ambitious project includes:
• Sizemore Group (Architectural Design), Atlanta, Ga.
• CPS (Comprehensive Program Services – Program Manager), Atlanta, Ga.
• Britt, Peters and Associates, Inc. (Consulting Engineers), Greenville, S.C.
• S. L. King and Associates, Inc. (Engineers, Planners, Managers), Atlanta, Ga.
• Long Engineering (Civil Engineers), Atlanta, Ga.
• The Collaborative Firm, LLC, East Point, Ga.
• CD+M Lighting Design Group, Tucker, Ga.
• Viridian Studios Atlanta (Landscape Architecture), Atlanta, Ga.
• Arcadis IBI Group (City Planners), Atlanta, Ga.
• Waveguide (AV, IT, Acoustics Consulting), Charlotte, N.C.
• McCarthy Building Companies, Atlanta, Ga.
• Barnsley Construction Group, Tyrone, Ga.
The new project is funded with Urban Redevelopment Bonds, which will be repaid from the Special Service District. Homesteaded residential property owners are not being taxed for the Brookhaven City Centre.
The project is on track for completion in the summer of 2025, marking a significant milestone for the City of Brookhaven.
For information about reserving space in the building, complete a Request for Event Space at https://www.explorebrookhaven.com/meetings-groups/submit-an-rfp/ or call (678) 879-4570.
Project Renderings: Project Renderings
Project Virtual Tour: Project Virtual Tour
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:
John Pricher, Vice President of Marketing
705 Town Blvd., Ste. R430
Brookhaven, GA 30319
john@explorebrookhaven.com
(678) 879-4574
www.ExploreBrookhaven.com
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