On a busy stretch near McGinnis Ferry Road, construction crews are already at work—but today marks a clear turning point. The next chapter of Medley is no longer theoretical. It’s underway.

The second phase of the $560 million mixed-use development, known as “Encore,” officially breaks ground today, April 14, 2026, signaling that Johns Creek’s long-anticipated Town Center is accelerating into its most active stage yet.

A Rare Signal: Expansion Before Opening

What makes today’s milestone notable isn’t just the start of new construction. It’s the timing.

Phase I of Medley—the central retail, office, and residential core—is still months away from its grand opening, scheduled for October 29, 2026. Yet the developer is already moving forward with a major expansion.

That decision reflects a strong signal of confidence. Pre-leasing activity has been robust enough to justify advancing the next phase early, rather than waiting to see how the first phase performs. In practical terms, it means Medley is not slowing down after opening day. It’s building momentum before it even arrives.

What the Encore Phase Adds

The Encore phase expands the residential and neighborhood-scale retail side of Medley, reinforcing the “live-work-play” structure that defines the project. It will add 408 multifamily residential units along with approximately 20,000 square feet of new retail space, with delivery expected in 2027.

With this addition, the full development will approach nearly 900 residential units, transforming the site into one of the most concentrated walkable living environments in North Fulton. While Phase I focuses on establishing the central experience—restaurants, the plaza, and the office presence—Encore deepens the residential base that will sustain daily activity across the development.

What Residents Will Notice Next

For those driving past the site or living nearby, the impact of today’s groundbreaking will become visible quickly. New excavation and foundation work will begin along McGinnis Ferry Road, while Phase I continues its push toward completion with vertical construction largely in place and tenant build-outs steadily increasing as opening day approaches.

At the same time, the site is entering a transitional phase. Much of Phase I construction has shifted toward interior work and finishing details, while exterior elements like the central plaza are moving into landscaping and final build-out, setting the stage for the October debut.

The Bigger Picture: A Town Center Taking Shape

Medley is not developing in isolation. It sits at the center of a broader 192-acre Town Center vision that has been in planning for years.

Several public projects are moving in parallel, including a 20-acre Boardwalk Park with trails and an amphitheater, a pedestrian tunnel under Medlock Bridge Road, and a series of road and traffic improvements throughout the corridor. The timing of these projects is closely aligned with Medley’s own schedule, creating a layered opening rather than a single moment.

Instead of a typical shopping center debut, the area is preparing for the emergence of an entire walkable district.

Why This Moment Matters

Johns Creek has long been defined by strong schools, residential neighborhoods, and corporate campuses, but it has lacked a true central gathering place.

Medley is designed to change that. At its core is a 25,000-square-foot plaza expected to host around 200 events per year, from outdoor wellness classes to live performances and seasonal festivals. The emphasis is not only on retail and dining, but on creating a place where people return regularly, even without a specific reason.

Today’s groundbreaking ensures that this vision will not arrive fully formed and then stop. It will continue expanding almost immediately after the first phase opens.

Looking Ahead to October—and Beyond

With less than 200 days until Phase I opens, today’s milestone adds both urgency and continuity to the timeline.

What opens this fall will not be a finished project, but the beginning of a multi-year buildout expected to continue through 2028. For residents, that means the experience of Medley will evolve in real time, with new spaces, tenants, and connections coming online gradually.

As of today, that next phase has officially begun.