17127372:Cobb Life DEC 2012 dummied to trim_new size
Smyrna resident Tracy Andrea leaves Cumberland Mall after a day of shopping.
40 Cobb Life
December 2012
11/16/2012
2:09 PM
Page 40
One of those places is Cumberland Mall, which draws its customer base from Marietta, Smyrna, northwest Fulton County and unincorporated Cobb County. “After the 2006 remodel and lifestyle center addition to the property, the mall has become the retail and dining hub of the Platinum Triangle area of Cobb County,” says Charles Tharp, GM of Cumberland Mall, which is owned by General Growth Properties. “It has 29 million square feet of office space, which is a combination of six restaurants, 150 retail tenants and a diverse selection of popular department stores. It is a destination.” And despite a still tepid economy, Cumberland continues to be the place to be. “Even in the midst of this economic turndown, area managers and business owners remain encouraged by the notoriety and traffic generated by venues such as the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre,” says Michele L. Swann, GM/CEO of the CobbMarietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority. “We have elevated the profile and awareness of our sub-market throughout the region and our diverse performance schedule has generated an influx of new visitors to the area.” On performance days and during major trade
shows and conventions, Swann says the Galleria Specialty Shops, and Cumberland Mall retailers and restaurants experience an upside in activity, especially on weekends. “The Arts Centre has brought an entirely new cultural experience to the Cumberland area with a more dynamic, urban feel. The area has benefitted from this public-private partnership, which has brought about success.” Swann says credit goes to the Cobb County Commission, which has spearheaded the public part of the partnership. “CEPAC is a prime example of how the arts can be an economic redevelopment tool.” Public assembly facilities such as CEPAC return value to Cumberland and surrounding community in many ways, helping to increase property values, sales taxes, hotel/motel taxes, new business and job creation. “In addition to those measurable contributions, the Galleria Arts Centre make a substantial contribution to the overall well-being of the community by serving as a venue for education, entertainment, recreation and culture,” Swann says. “Our community has incredibly bright minds and motivated individuals who are willing to be inventive, creative and work hard,” Mathis says. “With these qualities, we will continue to see small businesses grow aggressively.”