In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.
As tenants in Ponce City Market (PCM) starting reopening later this week, property management is expecting its shops and restaurants to operate under a new set of guidelines released by the mixed-use, designed “to promote safety and wellness and enhance the overall community experience,” according to a press release Wednesday.
“The guidelines were developed by property management in conjunction with scientists and industry trade specialists, and are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (C.D.C.).”
Those guidelines, listed below, include “encouraging” guests to wear face coverings, but not requiring them to do so.
Restaurants and retailers, including several located in the Central Food Hall, will begin reopening on Friday, May 22 at 11 am., and additional openings are also expected through Monday, June 1.
An exact list of tenant reopenings was not immediately available.
Here are the updated guidelines for the property:
HOURS OF OPERATION: Guests are encouraged to visit the Ponce City Market website to confirm reopening dates, hours of operation, and delivery and pick up schedules for individual locations as schedules will vary during the next few weeks.
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE: Signage has been installed throughout the property to maintain compliance with social distancing guidelines, including in elevators, restrooms, common areas, and amenity spaces. Large groups will be discouraged from congregating, and onsite property teams will assist in dispersing crowds.
HYGIENE AND SANITATION: Janitorial staff has been enhanced, along with sanitation schedules for restrooms; common-area seating and counters; furniture; switch plates; door handles; elevator interiors, buttons, and surfaces; handrails; and other high-risk touchpoints. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the common areas.
FACE COVERINGS: Property employees will be required to wear face coverings, and follow the recommendations outlined by the CDC and local health departments. All guests and visitors at Ponce City Market will be encouraged to wear face coverings as well.
“Since social distancing requirements went into effect in mid-March, the property management team has been working with tenants to modify business operations, and develop personalized reopening plans, that work best for them,” according to the release.
“For example, in addition to establishing curbside pickup and expanded delivery options, the property team has also been leveraging technology partnerships to support retail and food & beverage tenants transition to touchless payment and mobile ordering systems.”
PCM joins other local shopping centers that have already reopened including Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza, and Avalon.
[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]
