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How a developer would mix a technology park, age-restricted housing on 119 acres in South Forsyth
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McDonald Development Company wants to build 907,550 square feet of industrial buildings and age-restricted condominiums on Atlanta Highway. (GoogleMaps)

Developers of a proposed mixed-use development are planning to bring new places to live and work to south Forsyth.

An application was recently submitted to Forsyth County planning and zoning officials to rezone about 119 acres at 2765 Atlanta Highway (Hwy. 9) near the intersection with Majors Road to master-planned district (MPD) by McDonald Development Company.

Plans for the development include 88 age-restricted condominiums, over 1,200 parking spaces, two retail outparcels and six industrial buildings totaling 907,550 square feet to create a "Forsyth Technology Park." About 25% of the land will be open space, and the backside of the property will abut Ga. 400.

According to documents submitted to the county by McDonald, the buildings will cost $85-$90 million, produce $400,000-$500,000 in annual property taxes and provide 700-750 technology, office and distribution jobs.

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Plans for the mixed-use development, which would include age-restricted condominiums and six industrial buildings to create "Forsyth County Industrial Park."
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A developer wants to transform 119 acres near 2765 Atlanta Highway that abuts Ga. 400 into a mixed-use development of industrial buildings and age-restricted condominiums. (GoogleMaps)

The application was submitted in late October and a preliminary zoning review meeting will be held on Dec. 4. McDonald will have an applicant work period through June 2020 before going to public hearings.

McDonald has previously developed and owns more than 725,000 square feet of industrial buildings in the county, which have been used by companies such as Honda finance, Barry-Wehmiller Designs, Scientific Games, Johnson Outdoors, ABB, Phillips Electronics, Rockwell Automation and Fry Reglet.

In documents submitted with the application, officials with McDonald said one reason for building the commercial portion is a “lack of new facilities available within the county have prevented numerous new employers from finding suitable space to lease.”

In recent years, county and business leaders have made a point to increase commercial developments in the county to bring new jobs and to increase the commercial portion of the county’s tax digest, which is intended to lessen the burden on homeowners paying property taxes.

The Orchards Group will operate the age-restricted residential portion of the project, according to documents. The active adult community developer already has five locations in Forsyth County and another currently under construction on Keith Bridge Road.