While new shopping centers are common in suburban counties, they are less frequently developed within the Perimeter these days. However, Salomon and his colleagues have been involved for several years in the planning of a mixed-use development known as Historic Westside Village at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Ashby Street. The Shopping Center Group has teamed up with Success 2000 to market the retail and residential portions of the development. Commercial growth in the once-bustling area near the Atlanta University System had slowed over the past several decades, but this project will be part of the community's revitalization, Salomon said. Other retailers planning to locate in the 300,000 square feet of retail space include Pizza Hut and Athlete's Foot, Salomon said.
Plans also call for two office buildings, condominiums, apartments, lofts and townhouses.
The Westside Village project has been challenging because so many parties are involved, Salomon said, but the support from everyone has overcome obstacles along the way. It's been a difficult road with a lot of challenges. Working on such an innovative project required special talent, said Egbert Perry, CEO of The Integral Group. It does require a special willingness to take on something like this. A Kohl's store recently opened in the center, and other tenants such as Ross, Rack Room Shoes, Catherine's, Walgreens, O'Charley's and Red Lobster are expected to open next year.