Henry S. Miller and Lincoln Property Co. are moving forward with the redevelopment of Pepper Square, a mixed-use project positioned at the southeast corner of Preston Road and Belt Line Road. The partners have agreed to jointly develop the first of three planned phases, advancing a long-term repositioning of the legacy shopping center. Current plans for the overall redevelopment call for at least 1,050 apartment homes and approximately 65,000 square feet of new retail space, complemented by enhanced pedestrian connections and upgraded open spaces.
Construction on phase I of the project is scheduled to begin in May 2027. This initial phase will feature a 313-unit apartment component alongside more than 2 acres of public open space. The inclusion of substantial open space is intended to create a more walkable and community-focused environment than the site’s traditional shopping center format. The new retail planned as part of the broader redevelopment is expected to sit alongside the residential uses, supporting a mixed-use environment while updating the property’s retail offering.
To execute the first phase, Henry S. Miller and Lincoln Property Co. have assembled a project team that includes WDG Architecture as architect and Kimley-Horn as civil engineer. Rampart Construction will serve as the general contractor for the redevelopment. Together, these firms will guide the transition of the property from a predominantly retail center to a mixed-use destination that incorporates substantial residential density and public realm improvements.
Pepper Square was originally built in the 1970s and currently spans around 270,000 square feet. As of 2025, the shopping center was approximately 70% leased, indicating that a meaningful portion of the existing space remained unleased prior to the new redevelopment plan. The repositioning strategy, starting with phase I in 2027 and continuing through subsequent phases, is designed to reframe the site’s role in the area by layering in multifamily housing, new retail, and improved open space. While detailed timelines, cost figures, and tenant rosters have not been disclosed, the commitment to a phased redevelopment and a defined construction start date signals a clear move from concept planning toward execution.
