Memorializing a Leader, Continuing with Progress

The Forum dedicates an area to Debbie Mason and breaks ground on upgrades.

Mother Nature couldn’t decide between rain or warm temperatures for the groundbreaking ceremony on May 27 at The Forum, so there was a little of both. But that didn’t dampen enthusiasm for the dedication of memorial bench in memory of Peachtree Corners

First Lady Debbie Mason.

Surrounded by her favorite flowers, the fixture reminds patrons of the love Mason had for her community.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Debbie Mason died in January after a long bout with cancer. She wasn’t just the city’s first First Lady, she was its only First Lady. She was also a champion of the city who fought for cityhood more than a decade ago.

Tim Perry, managing partner at North American Properties (NAP), owner of The Forum, recalled interactions with Debbie Mason.

After being introduced, Perry said she “hit us up to help sponsor the Glow Run,” an annual night race that raises funds for the Robert D. Fowler YMCA.

“She was an inspiration and

Photos by Tracey Rice and Bruce Johnson

the short period of time we got to spend with her was really just amazing,” said Perry. “We reached out we found out her favorite flowers and wanted, as we entered our first real spring, for them to bloom in her honor.”

Mayor Mike Mason kept his remarks brief. “You guys are great to do this. You’re right. To be loved by family friends was who she was. …These kinds of things are important, and I appreciate it very much,” he said.

Progressing ahead

That same evening, there was a formal groundbreaking for the changes that will make the massive retail space a gathering place for friends and families as well as a town center for the decade-old municipality.

“This was a lot of work getting here and I just want to thank the mayor personally for all of the work,” said Perry.

“I see a lot of young people, but I see enough gray hair …you remember, as I do, when this whole area here was on a decline. The difference that The Forum has made to the community has been remarkable,” said Mayor Mason.

“It’s a half a million square feet of retail, bricks and mortar. I know that’s a very old-fashioned concept in the age of ordering what you want online, but the importance of it is not just to the city,” he added. ‘It was everybody’s favorite place to congregate to shop.”

Mason recalled when Peachtree Corners was known as the city where The Forum was located. “It was a remarkable thing for us to be defined by that,” he said. “Then along came online shopping and when the vacancy rate started climbing, we knew …something had to be done.”

The city started looking for a partner to help revive The Forum. “When we found North American Properties and we listened to their proposal, we knew that was the partner to work with,” Mason added. “They have a reputation for being a part of the community where they live.”

What’s to come?

According to media reports, improvements have already begun on the 21-year-old lifestyle center. NAP has already worked on improving its software, implementing new daily processes such as pressure washing and street sweeping, increasing security and housekeeping coverage, executing a comprehensive rebrand and rolling out the property’s first full calendar of events.

The next phase of construction is set to focus on modernizing and transforming The Forum into a true mixed-use destination with the addition of a 125-room boutique hotel, 381 multifamily rental units, new experiential retail and dining offerings, structured parking and expanded public spaces.

NAP officials said it will also include its signature hospitality-driv- en management approach into the project, incorporating resort-level services such as concierge and valet to enhance the overall guest experience. Retail- and pedestrian-focused upgrades are scheduled to come first. An exact date of completion hasn’t been announced.

“You’re going to start seeing gathering space at The Forum,” said Perry. “There will be places for you to hang out after you’ve got a bite to eat here or visited the bookstore, or whatever. We’re going to finally have an area that gives visitors a reason to stay here, with great amenities.”

Before the NAP officials and city dignitaries headed out to turn some soil, Perry ended by saying, “We look forward to doing what we can to make sure that the Forum returns to its place as a trend-setting mixed use development. …We don’t just build buildings; we also build communities.” ■