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The Beechwood Shopping Center on Alps Road in Athens has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent months with developers launching major construction projects and recruiting new tenants to fill retail spaces.
At the same time, several longstanding businesses, such as Beechwood Cinemas and CVS, have left the shopping center, giving developers an opportunity to reimagine retail spaces to fit today’s consumer needs an interests.
This is the just latest makeover for a shopping center that has been a retail hub since the early 1960s.
The area was originally developed by D. D. Saye, who purchased a 200-acre farm to create not just the bones of the shopping center but also the adjacent Beechwood Hills single-family neighborhood.
Why It’s Newsworthy: The Beechwood Shopping Center has experienced a significant transformation under local ownership, introducing new businesses and community-focused initiatives that enhance its role as a retail hub for Athens locals and UGA students.
A Rich History
The Beechwood Shopping Center opened its doors in 1961, featuring Kroger, Winn-Dixie, Woolworth and Repsol drugstores, along with a few other shops. As time passed, expansions brought a two-story Sears department store, now home to the Fresh Market grocery store and Michaels, a craft and hobby store.
Although the shopping center was historically a family-owned property, It has been operated since 2019 by a company called Polias. The firm develops and manages commercial real estate in Athens.
Dave Mulkey, founder of Polias, says he wants a renewed focus on making Beechwood a unique destination that reflects the character of the community.
“It (Beechwood Shopping Center) just has that background of how Athens is called the Classic City and it kind of gives that vibe,” said Will Hensley, UGA fourth-year management information systems major.
Exciting New Changes
With a vision to bring Beechwood back to life, the management has already introduced new stores like Lululemon, Crumbl Cookie and Sephora over the past few years.
Administrators of Athens Church also opened a second location in the center in October. The church features a 1,000-seat auditorium and an educational space for all ages. The church is located in the back of the shopping center behind the Chicken Salad Chick and the Loft.
Mulkey’s plans for a section of athletic stores, a Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio, and a Runway Cowork location are also nearing completion. In the location where Stein Mart used to be, shoppers will find Hibbett Sports, clothing store Buckle and La Parrilla restaurant.
“One of the things that we think about a lot is trying to activate it morning, noon and night and creating uses that are synergistic,” Mulkey said.
Next on deck is First Watch, a breakfast and brunch focused restaurant, set to open in the coming months. First Watch has locations across the country, but this will be the first in Athens.
A Community Centered Approach
Developers say a major factor in Beechwood’s transformation is the emphasis on community. The management envisions a vibrant town center that not only attracts shoppers but also serves as a gathering place for customers. With plans for inviting sidewalks, a diverse array of dining options and improved lighting, Beechwood aims to create an environment where people can come together.
We are trying to build a community here,” Mulkey said.
Community-building is especially important to the Polias team. They believe that a thriving shopping center goes beyond retail; it must be a place where local residents feel connected. To that end, the company regularly opens up its space for a variety of events. On Mother’s Day, there is a flower bouquet truck allowing mothers to feel special on their day. Also, during the holiday season Polias sets up festive markets that continue to attract a heavy crowd.
The Future
The renovations won’t stop with current projects. Mulkey hopes to make the recently closed Beechwood Cinemas and CVS store more of a community-centered space. Management plans to make it “more activated at night with restaurants and fine dining” Mulkey said.
As the Beechwood Shopping Center continues to evolve, it promises to remain a beloved part of Athens. It hopes to blend shopping, dining and community engagement. With its unique history and a fresh, local vision, Beechwood is set to embody the quirky spirit of Athens.
“We are putting a lot of emphasis on making Beechwood more walkable throughout, we’ll be adding a lot of sidewalks everywhere,” Mulkey said.
Referencing the Beechwood Shopping Center’s slogan, Transformations Over Transactions, Mulkey says he wants more than “just a business transaction.” Polias hopes to curate a place where their employees would want to take their families to hang out, enjoy life and make memories together.
Holly Kate O’Brien is a fourth year student majoring in journalism.