Explore Gwinnett, announces the return of Gwinnett Burger Week, March 16–22, marking its 11th year. The annual weeklong celebration invites visitors and locals to enjoy chef-crafted burgers for $12 each at 21 locally owned restaurants across the county, continuing the tradition of showcasing specialty burgers at an accessible price point.
Clara Rooks, marketing communications manager at Explore Gwinnett, says: “Gwinnett Burger Week continues to be a meaningful way for us to spotlight the artistry of our local restaurant community. Each year, our restaurant partners raise the bar with creative takes on a classic favorite, and this event is a great reminder of the depth and talent within Gwinnett County’s culinary scene.”
Throughout Gwinnett Burger Week, each of the 21 participating restaurants will feature a creative, limited-time burger crafted exclusively for the promotion.
- For a list of participating restaurants, click here.
Autism Support Group plans celebration
Community members and business professionals are invited to enjoy an evening of connection, celebration, and impact at Raise Your Glass!, Spectrum Autism Support Group’s signature spring fund at The Hudgens Center for the Arts and Learning in Duluth on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m.
The festive event brings together local leaders, supporters, and neighbors for a night of networking and philanthropy benefiting individuals impacted by autism and their families across Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.
Guests will enjoy cocktails, mocktails, wine and beer tastings, live music, interactive games, raffles, and both silent and live auctions. A popular bourbon pull and wine grab add to the excitement, and there will be a curated menu of delicious cuisine throughout the evening.
Laura Vladick, development director of Spectrum Autism Support Group, says: “It’s a chance for people to connect, have fun, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals impacted by autism.”
Proceeds support Spectrum’s year-round programs providing support, education, and resources.
Agency seeks RFP for Crescent Drive properties
The Urban Redevelopment Agency of Gwinnett County, in partnership with CBRE, has issued a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of the Gateway Gwinnett site.
The Gateway Gwinnett site offers exceptional connectivity to metro Atlanta and the broader Southeast region. The property was acquired from fiber optic cable manufacturer Lightera, formerly OFS, which will continue to operate its facility adjacent to the site.
The addresses of the properties are 3605 Crescent Drive and 6160 Crescent Drive, Norcross.
The redevelopment vision for the site is flexible and invites proposals that include one or a combination of the following elements: multifamily housing, office, retail, industrial or flex industrial. For multifamily elements, high-rise style buildings that promote higher density and mixed-income opportunities are preferred, while enhanced mobility options, pedestrian-oriented development and placemaking are encouraged.
Gwinnett County has invested significantly in preparing the site for redevelopment, including assembling parcels, establishing the Gateway 85 Overlay Zoning District, adopting the Gwinnett Gateway Urban Redevelopment Plan, and committing to infrastructure improvements such as transit enhancements and road upgrades.
The property is located within a Tax Allocation District and designated State and Federal Opportunity Zones, increasing the availability of substantial incentives to support large-scale investment along with other local economic development incentives offered by the county.
Interested developers may submit proposals for the full site or individual parcels, including reuse of existing buildings on the site. Responses must include a conceptual master plan, financial proposal and development approach.
An optional pre-proposal conference will be held at Innovation Square in Lawrenceville, with details provided in the RFP. Proposals are due by 2 p.m. on May 15.
Two Norcross gallery artists on display at Café 45
For the remainder of March until April 12, the artists of the month at Norcross Gallery and Studios are Maria Schramm and Lulu Alazzawi, whose works will be on display at Café 45 in Norcross.
Maria Schramm, a versatile abstract artist says of her work: “I believe art should be fun and inviting, and it must make places unique and beautiful. My art is deeply diverse because it reflects many themes and celebrates each. Transforming spaces into something vibrant, beautiful, and meaningful is always one of the objectives. In one sentence: Art, I love it!” It shows especially in her soaring uplifting painting titled Splash included in the exhibit.
Lulu Alazzawi, originally from Bagdad, came to the United States with her children in 2010. Working as a medical interpreter. She continued to pursue her art, creating delightful sunny abstract paintings that reflect her Middle Eastern heritage. She feels as though being on the edge of multiple cultures, one continues to keep on dreaming. Her very colorful abstract painting, Prosperity, reminds one of grains gently waving in the sun and breeze, and is a joy to see. She is currently a member at Johns Creek Art Center and is welcomed to Café 45 by the Norcross Gallery and Studios in this exhibit.
