Gibbs Capital is pleased to announce the latest group of businesses that will open at Wire Park, a 66-acre, mixed-use development that will feature 130 residential units, expansive public greenspace and 225,000 square feet of commercial, office, and retail space. New signings include Oconee County’s first brewery and Wire Park’s initial confirmed tenants for The Grid at Wire Park, the only food hall in the Athens area.

Combined with the existing mix of tenants, Wire Park, an adaptive reuse of the former Southwire facility near downtown Watkinsville, will be responsible for the addition of more than 300 new jobs in Oconee County, with more tenants projected to come online.

“Wire Park is envisioned by our team to be a place where the community can gather together, and this latest round of announcements demonstrates the positive momentum for this transformative project,” said Jordan Price, Director of Operations for Wire Park. “From a wide array of restaurants to a slew of shops and salons, Wire Park is positioned to be a cultural and economic anchor for Oconee County for years to come. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome the community to live, work and play.”

• South Main Brewing: Oconee County’s first brewery, featuring a collection of original beers operating in a 4,010-square-foot space.

• Lalo’s Tacos and Catina: A cantina, offering tacos and other Latin American cuisine.

• Scoops: A well-known ice cream franchise that offers 32 flavors of handcrafted ice cream, 10 different types of ice cream cones, and an extensive selection of treats including cookies, candy, and hand-crafted chocolates. 

• SoCo Nutrition: A tea, smoothie and protein drink shop focused on nutrition and healthy living.

• Gekko Kitchen: The first confirmed tenant for The Grid at Wire Park, this hibachi and sushi concept will build off the incredible success it’s enjoyed in Midtown Atlanta at Colony Square’s Politan Row.

• Original Hot Dog Factory: Also headed to The Grid at Wire Park, this Atlanta-based restaurant has multiple locations across the country and is regarded as the home of “America’s Best Hot Dog.”

• Winghouse Grill: Recipient of “Best Wings” by OnlineAthens, the popular eatery will be part of The Grid at Wire Park.

• Athens Running Company: The only locally owned and non-franchised running and walking store in the Athens area will open its second location.

• Fit Body Fitness: Offering affordable exercise regimens for area residents.

• Paper Doll: A locally-grown hair salon slated to open its first location at Wire Park. 

• Old Fashioned Barber Shop: The first Athens area location will offer high-end men’s haircuts and grooming services.

• Sugar Polish Nail Salon: Already with locations in Atlanta, Athens, and Roswell, this chic salon is bringing its luxury manicures, pedicures, and waxing to Wire Park.

These announcements bring the total number of businesses and organizations who have signed on to be part of Wire Park to more than 20, including The Yard at Wire Park, an expansive, one-of-a-kind baseball and softball training facility, and the new home for the Oconee County Library. In 2021, Gibbs Capital opened applications for its residential sales and announced its inventory of office space was nearly sold out, featuring All Bright Electric, Budget Blinds/Inspired Closets, Connect Ministries, Golden Pantry and Smith Planning Group.