Gresham Smith & Town Center Community Create a More Connected District

When it comes to envisioning how infrastructure can better serve a community safely and thoughtfully, Town Center CID knows the value of working with partners who see the bigger picture and finer details. Enter Gresham Smith, a trusted partner and leading design and planning firm whose expertise has been instrumental in shaping the future of Town Center CID’s key corridors.

From busy Chastain Road to the well-traveled Bells Ferry Road, Gresham Smith’s team, led by seasoned planners like Erin Thoresen, has worked closely with Town Center CID to improve traffic patterns, identify safety concerns and develop solutions that keep pace with the region’s rapid growth.

“Town Center CID understands the community and what it takes to make meaningful progress,” said Erin Thoresen, Gresham Smith’s Georgia Planning Department leader. “They bring the right people to the table, set clear goals and keep momentum going, which makes a real difference in the success of their initiatives.”

For nearly 60 years, Gresham Smith has been shaping communities with its expertise in architecture, planning and engineering, bringing thoughtful design to public spaces across multiple cities. In addition to their work on the Chastain Road and Bells Ferry Road plans, the firm partnered with Town Center CID to develop a Freight Cluster Plan, a strategic effort to improve freight movement while preserving community accessibility. Completed in April 2023, the plan improved road efficiency, reduced congestion and enhanced freight access. More than just logistics, it successfully blended support for economic growth with the creation of safer, more connected spaces for those who live and work in the district.

Currently, Gresham Smith is working with the CID to update its Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Plan, focusing on enhanced transportation, sustainability and accessibility. The updated plan aims to strengthen neighborhood connections, improve pedestrian safety and expand transit options, creating a more livable community.

“Gresham Smith has always been about more than just designing roads and buildings – we focus on creating places where people can truly connect and thrive,” said Thoresen. “For decades, we’ve worked to make communities safer, more accessible and better prepared for the future. Our partnership with Town Center CID is a perfect example of that shared vision in action.”

Together, Gresham Smith and Town Center CID continue to strengthen relationships with Cobb County and key stakeholders, ensuring these projects leave a lasting impact.

“It’s not just about getting these projects done,” said Thoresen. “It’s about building something that makes a difference in the Town Center community.”