Big changes are coming to one of Cobb County’s most iconic destinations. The Cobb Galleria Centre has announced a major renovation and expansion project that will transform the property over the next two years — but not without impact to long-standing local businesses.
🛍️ End of an Era for Galleria Specialty Shops
As part of the redevelopment, the specialty shops located inside the Cobb Galleria will permanently close on May 31, 2025. Many of these locally owned stores have served the community for decades. Among them is Galleria Newstand, opened in 1993 and operated by Sophia David, who has become a fixture in the community.
“I really was looking forward to being elevated to the next chapter, but they’ve closed that door on us, which is very painful,” David told WSB-TV.
David, who struggled to recover after COVID-19, is currently seeking support or an investor to relocate her business elsewhere in Cobb County.
🏗️ What’s Being Built?
According to the official Cobb Galleria press release, the project will break ground in Fall 2025 and be completed by early 2027. The transformation includes:
- 🏛️ A new 2-story grand entrance
- 🏨 A new junior ballroom and major upgrades to existing ballrooms and exhibit halls
- 🌳 Two outdoor courtyards and gardens with natural light flowing indoors
- 🚗 New connected parking with all-weather access
- 💡 13,000 square feet of high-tech meeting space
- ✨ A full renovation of the existing rotunda, concourse, and public areas
The goal is to keep the Cobb Galleria Centre at the top of its class in Georgia for midsize convention venues, complementing nearby attractions like The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park.
🧱 Local Talent Behind the Transformation
The project is powered entirely by Cobb County-based teams:
- RJTR (Rule Joy Trammell + Rubio) – Architecture & design
- Holder Construction – Construction manager
- Impact Development Management – Owner’s representative & project manager
These firms bring experience from major developments like Tech Square, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the Cobb Chamber HQ at The Battery.
💬 Community Reaction & What’s Next
While many welcome the investment in the area, others are saddened by the loss of small businesses and the shift away from public-facing retail.
🛍️ Shop owners are offering final sales through May
🤝 Supporters can help by spreading the word or offering leads to investors or landlords
Do you have memories of the Galleria shops? Know a space where a beloved local business like Sophia’s could relocate? Let’s keep the conversation going and support those impacted by this transition.
📚 Sources:
