Only about 82% of the retail space is leased, though some will not be occupied until next yearGETTY IMAGES
The Battery Atlanta's pull as a shopping center "hasn't panned out as expected," as only about 65% of the mixed-use development's already-built retail and dining spaces are "actually occupied" deep into its second year of operation adjacent to SunTrust Park, according to Matt Kempner of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. About 20 retail spots -- most already built -- "remain vacant, particularly those farther" from the ballpark. An early plan to "draw day-time shoppers with women's fashion stores fell flat." The Braves said that a variety of other tenants have "committed but are not yet open." The team reports 82% of The Battery's existing retail space is "leased, though some of that may not be occupied for another year." Restaurateurs and bar owners have "signed on -- there are about 15 of them, including ones that are partly attached" to the ballpark. Some said that business so far has "met or beaten their expectations." Antico Pizza owner Giovanni di Palma, whose restaurant opened in The Battery last year, said that sales are trending 30-40% "above expectations ... largely because of hungry crowds heading into SunTrust Park." Even non-game weekends are "doing a bit above projections." Kempner notes The Battery's retail lineup "includes about eight permanent stores, two or three of which are largely focused on baseball." Among the other outlets is a "small Harley-Davidson apparel shop, one clothing store aimed at women and a home and gifts shop." Braves Development President & CEO Mike Plant predicted that 90% of existing retail spaces "will have operating tenants a year from now" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 8/15).
