Exploring the Rebirth of Athens' Iconic Site and Its Role in Economic Resurgence
Celebrating a significant achievement calls for a luau. General Time, the 35-acre mixed-use development in Athens, is not only a success story, but the adaptive-reuse property and its inspiring theme of renewed opportunity also mirror the economic rebound spirit coming out of the difficult pandemic period. It’s the perfect fit for both growing tenants and attendees at the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce’s recent “Back in Touch Luau.”
“It’s been said that history repeats itself,” said Pollock Commercial Vice President Michael Dinerman at the well-attended event, which included Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz. “Once the General Time factory was full of activity and life. We have taken huge strides into breathing life back into this visible, well-located and highly accessible site.”
People are definitely taking notice of the Ardent Companies and Knotting Developments joint venture. Wayfair, a global online seller of home goods,will bring more than 300 jobs and over $8 million in investment to General Time, where it will operate a 45,050-square-foot customer support facility. Terrapin Brewery moved into 68,000 square feet at the development in 2018.
Dinerman and Pollock Commercial are leasing the remaining 175,000 square feet at General Time. All told, the development will introduce approximately 250,000 square feet of new restaurants, retail, loft-offices and warehouses. The next major phase of construction will feature 200 new multifamily units, and a mile-long mountain bike skills track will open this fall. When fully complete, the General Time district will also include a large-scale event and green space.
“Updating buildings like this and improving a site from decades past into a well-planned contemporary use that meets today’s development codes is no small task,” Dinerman added. “With the multifamily efforts on the way, and Terrapin Brewing and Wayfair on board, we look forward to the continued growth of General Time and to helping with your office, retail, restaurant or flex space needs,” he told the “Back In Touch Luau” attendees.
A wise man once said of physicians that “they even partake of divinity, since to preserve and renew is almost as noble as to create.” The real estate ‘doctors’ behind the General Time mixed-use development are doing it all: preserving and renewing and, as a result, creating an abundance of opportunity at the unique project and future new social and commercial hub in Athens. That’s certainly reason to celebrate.
