Southern Post: Roswell’s Transformative Mixed-Use Destination
In the heart of historic Roswell, Georgia, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Where a tired 1960s strip mall once stood, Southern Post has emerged as a vibrant mixed-use development that seamlessly blends the city’s rich heritage with modern urban living. This $126 million project has become more than just a development—it’s a gathering place, a culinary destination, and a testament to thoughtful urban planning.
A Vision Born from History
Southern Post sits on the former site of Roswell Plaza, affectionately known by locals as the “Southern Skillet” after a beloved breakfast establishment that once called it home. When the City of Roswell acquired the property in 2016, they envisioned something special: a development that would honor the area’s historical charm while creating a dynamic new community hub.
After careful consideration, Virginia-based Armada Hoffler Properties was selected to bring this vision to life. The project broke ground in March 2020, though like many developments, it faced delays due to the pandemic. Construction resumed in earnest in 2022, and by October 2024, Southern Post celebrated its grand opening—a moment eight years in the making.
Design That Honors the Past, Embraces the Future
What makes Southern Post truly special is its architectural approach. The development spans 4.28 acres and features two mid-rise buildings designed to mirror the aesthetic of downtown Roswell while introducing contemporary elements.
The design thoughtfully incorporates historic touches including gas lanterns, brick facades, metal pitched roofing, and zero vinyl windows throughout. These elements pay homage to Roswell’s heritage and create visual harmony with the surrounding historic district. The modern flair comes through in metal panel siding, massive windows that evoke an old mill aesthetic, and distinctive exterior stairs that add both function and character.
Even the project’s name carries historical significance—combining the beloved “Southern Skillet” restaurant with the concept of a “post,” a central meeting spot where the community gathers.
A Carefully Curated Retail and Dining Scene
Southern Post has quickly established itself as an extension of Roswell’s renowned Canton Street dining district, located just two blocks away. The development features 40,000 square feet of retail space, and with 90% already leased, it’s clear that businesses recognize the opportunity here.
The tenant lineup reads like a foodie’s dream:
Coffee & Sweets:
- Belux Coffee Roasters – A local favorite that was recently featured in Eater Atlanta’s list of the 15 best coffee shops
- Da Vinci’s Donuts – Bringing artisanal donuts to the community
- Amorino Italian Gelato Cafe – Authentic Italian gelato crafted with natural ingredients
Restaurants & Dining:
- Grana – Chef Pat Pascarella’s Southern Italian restaurant, the third location of his growing empire
- Azotea Cantina – Bringing vibrant Mexican cuisine to Southern Post
- Silla Del Toro – Spanish tapas and drinks for a sophisticated dining experience
- BEY Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar – Founded by Lebanese-born restaurateurs Marc Mansour and Chaouki “C.K.” Khoury, offering dishes from across the Mediterranean
- Vietvana – Vietnamese cuisine with authentic pho and noodle dishes
Wellness & Retail:
- Cavina Med Spa – Wellness and aesthetic services
- SweatHouz – A cutting-edge fitness and therapy studio
- BODYROK – Boutique fitness for those seeking a high-energy workout
- Watch Your Wrist – Specialty retail for watch enthusiasts
- CA South – Adding to the diverse retail mix
Southern Post falls within downtown Roswell’s walkable “open container” district, allowing visitors to stroll between venues with their beverages—a feature that enhances the social, neighborhood feel of the development.
Premier Office Space
Southern Post isn’t just about retail and residential living—it’s also bringing 95,000 square feet of loft-style, open-concept office space to downtown Roswell. This represents the first Class-A office space in the downtown area, featuring modern amenities in a pedestrian-friendly environment.
The office component has attracted significant tenants, including Vestis (formerly part of Aramark), a provider of workplace uniform rental services that signed a 45,100-square-foot lease and established their headquarters at Southern Post. Companies are drawn to the development’s unique ecosystem where employees can work, dine, shop, and even live—all within the same walkable community.
Chandler Residences: Luxury Living at Southern Post
The residential component of Southern Post, known as Chandler Residences, offers 137 luxury homes including 128 high-end apartments and 9 exclusive townhomes. These residences have proven incredibly popular, with the development reporting a significant waiting list of prospective residents before opening.
What Makes Chandler Residences Special
Location and Lifestyle: Chandler Residences offers something increasingly rare in suburban Atlanta: truly walkable urban living. Residents can step out their front door and walk to coffee shops, restaurants, fitness studios, and workplaces. It’s a lifestyle that combines the vibrancy of city living with the charm of historic Roswell.
Floor Plans and Features: The apartments offer one, two, and three-bedroom layouts ranging from 699 to 1,719 square feet, with prices starting at approximately $2,300 per month. Each home is thoughtfully designed with premium finishes and features, including:
- Top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances
- Sleek quartz countertops
- Stylish vinyl plank flooring
- Smart thermostats for energy efficiency
- Lightning-fast in-unit WiFi with speeds up to 1GB
- In-unit washer and dryer
- Spacious layouts with well-lit rooms
Exceptional Amenities: Chandler Residences residents enjoy resort-style amenities that include:
- A lavish clubroom for entertaining
- A scenic sky lounge with stunning views
- A rooftop sky deck complete with a sparkling pool
- A serene courtyard for relaxation
- A state-of-the-art fitness center
- Convenient covered parking in a structured deck (600 parking spaces total)
- 24-hour package services
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Pet-friendly policies
Sustainability: The Chandler Residences component is designed to achieve National Green Building Standard certification, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside luxury living.
The Community Connection
What truly sets Chandler Residences apart is its integration within the larger Southern Post community. Residents don’t just have a nice apartment—they have an entire lifestyle ecosystem at their doorstep. Whether it’s grabbing morning coffee at Belux, enjoying tapas at Silla Del Toro, working out at BODYROK, or meeting friends in the courtyard, everything is designed to foster connection and convenience.
The development also hosts community events, including free live music every Thursday evening from June through September, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Impact on Roswell
Southern Post has already made a significant impact on downtown Roswell. The development was named Commercial Development of the Year for Atlanta in the 2025 CoStar Impact Awards, recognized for the developers’ persistence and ability to attract major office and retail tenants even through challenging times.
City officials and community leaders have praised Southern Post for transforming what was once a declining property into a catalyst for further investment. The walkable, live-work-play environment has generated new energy for the area, boosted sales for existing businesses, and increased nearby property values.
As Steve Stroud, executive director of Roswell Inc, noted, “This is really a signature project and is becoming a place of destination. It is an extension to create more of a downtown area, and we see it as a catalyst.”
Looking Forward
With the Chandler Residences now open and commercial tenants completing their build-outs, Southern Post is well on its way to achieving its vision of becoming Roswell’s newest destination. The development also complements other nearby projects, including the adjacent Chambray Hotel (a Hyatt collection boutique hotel scheduled to open in 2025), further enhancing the area’s appeal.
For those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle without sacrificing the charm and character of a historic community, Southern Post offers a compelling answer. It’s a development that proves you don’t have to choose between honoring the past and embracing the future—with thoughtful planning and design, you can have both.
Whether you’re considering living at Chandler Residences, opening a business in the retail space, or simply enjoying what this dynamic development has to offer, Southern Post represents the best of what mixed-use developments can achieve: creating community, fostering economic vitality, and enriching the daily lives of everyone who visits.
Southern Post is located at 1037 Alpharetta Street in Roswell, Georgia, just two blocks from Canton Street. For more information about leasing opportunities, visit southernpostroswell.com or chandlerresidences.com.
