“It’s got that X-factor”: Perimeter’s Evolution Explained by Local Leaders
In case you missed our very first Envision Perimeter, we’ve got all the insights here! With the theme, “Every Piece in Place”, we brought focus to the many facets that add up to a vibrant, thriving neighborhood. The panel discussions brought together local voices in business and community to reflect on what has made Perimeter great over the last few years. Afterward, keynote speaker Dr. Tristan Cleveland shared an inspiring look into the future of a walkable, human-centered destination.
Perimeter’s vibe makes for viable investments
First up was business: Ken Ashley of Cushman & Wakefield sat down with Cathy Manginelli, TriNet’s Chief Talent Officer, Josh Scofield, Newell Brands’ Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Senior Director, and Brooke MacLean, MarketWake CEO.
All three speakers help lead businesses that have chosen to grow (or remain) in Perimeter. In their recently announced High Street location, TriNet plans to bring 750 jobs to the submarket, while MarketWake has recently completed their move to Campus 244 and Newell Brands leased 180,000 square feet in the iconic Queen building. As Ken Ashley reported in his prelude to the panel, Perimeter saw leasings for 1.3M of the 1.8M square feet of available office space in 2024.
“We needed somewhere walkable, we needed community feel, we needed family-friendly, and we needed our location to have a certain X-factor,” said MacLean of MarketWake’s search for their next office space. “When we started exploring here, I was pleasantly surprised that there was such energy and vision that matched our own.”
All three businesses were especially swayed by the warm welcome from Perimeter’s cities, who have taken an active role in growing business opportunities for the area.
“This community has a vibe that’s very open and welcoming,” said Manginelli of TriNet’s first impression of Perimeter. “It definitely comes from the government and the communities here. When we started working with the cities, it felt like a partnership right away.”
Building a place where people want to stay
Between the offices, Perimeter is weaving a community that feels exciting without compromising safety; connected, but with surprises around every corner. That was the takeaway from the community panel, where Dunwoody Police Chief Mike Carlson, Perimeter Connects Program Manager Nikki Washington, and Dunwoody Nature Center Development Coordinator Madhav Dave discussed what makes people want to stay in the neighborhood.
“You can go ten minutes to either side of 285, and you’ll find a whole new experience,” said Dave. “I think that’s what the modern consumer and modern worker wants—a place where they can create their own journey through work and life.”
From big events down to daily commutes, Perimeter is working to improve the lives of the people within it.
“One of my favorite things that the Perimeter CID does is personal commute plans,” said Washington of the Perimeter Connects program. “We want to make sure everyone understands what their options are for getting here and getting around, so that they can make a real connection.”
Down the road (or trail) for Perimeter…
Dr. Tristan Cleveland, Urban Planner & Research Specialist at Happy Cities, shared his excitement for the community’s growth — and a few lessons to help us keep moving in the right direction.
“I’m so excited to see that you guys get it and to see the momentum in this place,” said Dr. Cleveland. “An organization like the PCIDs making yearly investments in quality of life is huge, because it adds diversity and creativity. You can build on what’s here to make the whole place more wonderful.”
A few of Dr. Cleveland’s suggestions for building a happy city:
- Focus diligently on the scale that people see.
- Cultivate vibrancy with a dedicated budget for small, yearly improvements.
- Optimize for people-centered design as a distinct category of design.
With shining examples like Ashford Lane, High Street, and City Springs already open, Perimeter is well on its way to being a human-centered region that every resident, worker, and visitor can access. Perimeter is envisioning a bright, happy future — and we’re ready to make it happen.
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