North American Properties (NAP), the real estate company behind the $400 million transformation of Colony Square, has completed another component of the redevelopment — The Plaza at Colony Square, a community greenspace that officially opened to the public on October 9, according to a press release Friday. Also new to Colony Square, Atlanta-born popsicle company King of Pops will open a “unique” window-service concept in the newly-opened The Plaza in spring 2021.
Taking the place of the former Colony Square Mall, The Plaza sits at the heart of the property, connecting guests to everything the reimagined Colony Square has to offer. At over 10,000 square feet, the greenspace will serve as an activation venue for Colony Square’s events as well as an outdoor gathering space for Midtown. Last night, Colony Square hosted its first guests in The Plaza for The Gathering, an annual event held by local nonprofit City of Refuge.
In addition to The Gathering, Colony Square will support City of Refuge throughout the month of October by raising funds through 10 socially distanced Signature Events: three Yoga on the Square classes, three Laughing Hour on the Square comedy shows, and four Groovin’ on the Square live music performances.
“Our team demolished a 50-year-old, enclosed mall to create Midtown’s Living Room, and now we get to see it come to life,” Adam Schwegman, partner and senior vice president of leasing at NAP, said in the release. “This is the future of real estate: Activated, well-designed, open-air space surrounded by modern brands that provide great food, great drinks, endless entertainment and unique finds. The Plaza at Colony Square is the heart and soul of the entire experience.”
One of three community gathering places, The Plaza features a resort-level Concierge, an indoor/outdoor performance stage, ample seating areas, a large-format LED display, an interactive digital art experience, and access to Politan Row at Colony Square, the forthcoming food hall. It is also surrounded by activated retail and restaurants that spill out onto The Plaza, one of which will be occupied by King of Pops, Spaces, and IPIC.
The popsicle stand turned brick-and-mortar will open in The Plaza next spring, offering its popsicles, pop-tails, slush-tails, soft-serve ice cream, and seasonal treats. With the design process in motion for the new space, King of Pops is embracing digital-friendly, open-air service (including a walk-up window and NanaWall) to meet the changing expectations of diners and capitalize on its central location within The Plaza.
“We have worked closely with NAP for several years now through events at Avalon and are always impressed with the level of hospitality provided to guests, vendors, and tenants,” Steven Carse, co-founder of King of Pops, said in the release. “Our prime location creates a unique opportunity for our team to interact with guests, create an all-encompassing brand experience, and form a deeper connection with Midtown.” Carse and his team are also in the process of expanding the company’s Ponce City Market location, moving soon to a larger space within the mixed-use development.
The news of The Plaza and King of Pops comes on the heels of Brown Bag Seafood Co.’s debut at Colony Square earlier this month. Additional openings include American Barber (opening this fall), IPIC (opening this fall), Holeman and Finch Public House (opening next spring), Rumi’s Kitchen (opening next spring), and Politan Row at Colony Square (opening next spring).
Once completed, the reimagined Colony Square will feature “enhanced connectivity with Midtown,” with nearly one million square feet of Class A office, a variety of open-air gathering spaces, a hospitality program, technology, and dining, retail, and entertainment experiences.
Cushman & Wakefield oversees office leasing. Hoar Construction is the general contractor. Lord Aeck Sargent is the architect of record, Beyer Blinder Belle is the lead design firm and Site Solutions is the landscape and hardscape architect. Kimley-Horn is the civil engineer.
