North Point Mall Redevelopment: Shop Perimeter Instead
If you live in Alpharetta or Roswell, North Point Mall has probably been part of your routine for years. But change is coming in a big way, and longtime shoppers are starting to ask the same question: where do we go next? Good news! Your new favorite shopping day is just a short drive south in Dunwoody. Let's break down what's happening up north and why Perimeter Mall is the North Point Mall alternative worth bookmarking right now.
At a glance: Why Perimeter Mall Is Your Best North Point Mall Alternative
Just 20 minutes south of Alpharetta in Dunwoody, Perimeter Mall is Georgia's second-largest shopping center and a powerhouse of retail, dining, and entertainment.
Here's the quick rundown:
- 200+ stores, including Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, Von Maur, Apple, and Lululemon
- Top-tier dining at The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Shake Shack, CT Cantina, and more
- Entertainment for all ages
- Easy access with free parking and a MARTA station right next door
- Plenty of hotels nearby to turn your shopping trip into a full weekend
Is North Point Mall Closing?
The mall isn’t closing overnight, but it’s going through significant changes. The North Point Mall redevelopment is one of the most ambitious mall transformations in the country.
On March 16, 2026, Jamestown and New York Life filed a zoning application with the City of Alpharetta to tear down and rebuild the ~100-acre site as a walkable, mixed-use district. A community meeting on June 10 gave residents their first real look at the renderings, and the Alpharetta Planning Commission is scheduled to hear the case on July 9, with a possible city council vote as early as July 20, 2026.
Here's what the vision includes:
- A proposed 20,000-seat NHL arena as the centerpiece
- ~907,000 sq ft of retail and dining
- 750,000 sq ft of office space
- ~1,385 for-rent apartments
- Two hotels (a 400-room full-service hotel and a 300-room hybrid hotel)
- 16+ acres of parks, plazas, and trails
According to master planners Torti Gallas, nearly half of the existing mall will be demolished to make way for a village-style environment, while about 800,000 sq ft of enclosed shops will remain during the transition.
The Latest News on the Expansion
In June 2026, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Houston and Austin are now the frontrunners for the league's 33rd franchise, saying Atlanta's two bids—including the Alpharetta one—are "not as far along in the process."
For shoppers, that means the same outcome: the North Point Mall redevelopment is still underway with partial demolition and a years-long transition where your reliable shopping options shrink. So whether the NHL ever drops the puck in Alpharetta or not, you'll want a go-to destination, and Dunwoody is ready for you.
The Best Shops at Perimeter Mall
Born in 1971 from what was once a humble cow pasture, Perimeter Mall has grown into one of the best malls in Georgia. Whether you're hunting for a new outfit, a tech upgrade, or the perfect gift, you'll find it here.
Where to Eat Inside and Around Perimeter Mall
One of the biggest perks of the North Point Mall redevelopment? The food scene in Perimeter is next level. Whether you want a quick bite between stores or a sit-down dinner to finish off the day, Dunwoody's restaurant lineup delivers.
Inside the Mall:
- The Cheesecake Factory: A menu the size of a novel and, of course, the cheesecake
- Maggiano's Little Italy: Family-style Italian that's perfect for groups
- P.F. Chang's: Modern Asian classics
- 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar: Flavorful Thai favorites
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Wings, sports, and a good time
Just Outside the Mall:
- CT Cantina & Taqueria: Vibrant Mexican spot with creative cocktails and a fun patio
- Shake Shack: Burgers, crinkle fries, and shakes
- Seasons 52: Seasonal menu and an impressive wine list
- The Capital Grille: Special-occasion steakhouse
- North Italia: Handmade pasta in a stunning space
- Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar: Globally-inspired comfort food, dog-friendly patio included
Sweet Treats & Coffee
Häagen-Dazs, Great American Cookies, Gong Cha, Lolli & Pops, and Starbucks are all on hand when you need a pick-me-up.
See even more of the cafes, restaurants, and dining experiences of Perimeter Mall in our extensive guide.
Make a Day of It: Entertainment Around Perimeter Mall
Your trip doesn't have to end when the shopping bags are full! Dunwoody is packed with experiences just minutes from Perimeter Mall.
- Dunwoody Nature Center: 22 acres of trails, gardens, and family programs, perfect for a post-lunch stroll
- Spruill Center for the Arts: Local art exhibits and hands-on workshops
- Brook Run Park: Playgrounds, a dog park, and a skate park
- Seasonal events: From summer concerts to fall festivals, there's always something happening
Stay a While in Dunwoody
Perimeter Mall sits in the heart of Dunwoody with dozens of hotels within walking distance, making it easy to turn your shopping trip into a weekend getaway. Pair a Saturday at the mall with brunch on Sunday, a hike at the nature center, and dinner at one of Dunwoody's standout restaurants, and you've got an unforgettable trip without ever leaving the perimeter.
Ready to Discover Dunwoody?
The North Point Mall redevelopment may be reshaping shopping in Alpharetta, but it's also opening the door to discovering something new. Perimeter Mall and the city of Dunwoody are ready to welcome you, your family, and your friends with great shopping, incredible food, and experiences that turn an errand into an adventure.
Start planning your trip to Perimeter Mall today.
Questions fréquemment posées
Is North Point Mall closing?
Not all at once, but the North Point Mall redevelopment plan filed in March 2026 calls for tearing down and rebuilding nearly half the site. Stores will remain open through the approval and construction process, but the mall as Alpharetta knows it is on the way out.
What will happen to North Point Mall?
Owners Jamestown and New York Life plan to convert the 100-acre site into a mixed-use district with retail, dining, apartments, hotels, office space, and parks. A proposed NHL arena was the centerpiece, but after the league said Atlanta's bid is "not as far along" as Houston's and Austin's, that piece is uncertain. The broader North Point Mall redevelopment is moving forward regardless.
Where can I shop in Dunwoody?
Perimeter Mall is your headquarters, with 200+ stores including Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, Von Maur, Apple, and Lululemon. Surrounding shopping centers like Perimeter Pointe and Park Place add even more options.
Which malls should I go to besides North Point?
Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody is the closest, largest, and most convenient North Point Mall alternative. It's about 20 minutes south via GA-400, free to park, and accessible by MARTA.
