PROJECT DETAILS
Town Center of Suwanee
Suwanee, Georgia, USA
Installed Products
Creating a popular, vibrant community gathering space with illumination
The City of Suwanee (Georgia) purchased acreage in the downtown core. The goal was to preserve open space, develop more parks, and ultimately create an energetic and aesthetically pleasing downtown that would become a primary community gathering space. Over time, the Town Center of Suwanee has officially come to life, with a stunning new central park. CPL provided the architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering services for the project.
Suwanee’s dynamic space features interlinking walkways, an interactive fountain, large open areas, and a performance stage with a 1000-seat terraced amphitheater area. But the standout amenity is a 1200-foot serpentine pedestrian bridge that swoops through the site.
“We envisioned decorative lighting throughout the space,” said Justice Harris, electrical designer for CPL. “We wanted to showcase the pedestrian bridge, of course, and uplight the trees.”
Hydrel’s M9400C ingrade luminaire was selected across the park.
“M9400C had the output we needed, and in particular a good quality lens,” Harris said. “Because this is a park environment, the lens needs to be able to stand up to all kinds of traffic, from kids to dogs to bicycles!”
Color temperature is 3000K, which was a city standard, but Harris said this would have been her choice regardless, as it provides an overall warmer environment.
Ninety of the luminaires are used to illuminate the trees throughout the park environment: around the amphitheater, along the walkways, and in front of a library on the opposite side of the park. They add interest while contributing to overall ambient illumination. A narrow flood distribution was selected to uplight each tree. To conform to IES recommendations for Dark Sky, the fixtures are intentionally aimed at the trunk to minimize uplight.
The dramatic illumination of the pedestrian bridge has become a "social media darling," according to a local publication. M9400C luminaires are installed at the base of each bridge pylon. A narrow spot distribution not only uplights the striking architecture but also enhances the illumination and contributes to a feeling of security in an area that might otherwise be darker.
Suwanee's Town Center won "Public Works Project of the Year" from the American Public Works Association/Georgia Chapter. But it's residents that are the real winners.
"People are drawn to this park, and they just love it," said Harris. "It's inviting no matter the time of day or night. Every time I'm in the area, I can see that the place is packed. Families and friends are truly enjoying the space, and I'm really proud to have been a part of this."
Project Completion: August 2024
Lighting Design: CPL
Agent: Lighting Associates, Inc.
Photography: David Keith Photography
The City of Suwanee (Georgia) purchased acreage in the downtown core. The goal was to preserve open space, develop more parks, and ultimately create an energetic and aesthetically pleasing downtown that would become a primary community gathering space. Over time, the Town Center of Suwanee has officially come to life, with a stunning new central park. CPL provided the architecture, landscape architecture, and engineering services for the project.
Suwanee’s dynamic space features interlinking walkways, an interactive fountain, large open areas, and a performance stage with a 1000-seat terraced amphitheater area. But the standout amenity is a 1200-foot serpentine pedestrian bridge that swoops through the site.
“We envisioned decorative lighting throughout the space,” said Justice Harris, electrical designer for CPL. “We wanted to showcase the pedestrian bridge, of course, and uplight the trees.”
Hydrel’s M9400C ingrade luminaire was selected across the park.
“M9400C had the output we needed, and in particular a good quality lens,” Harris said. “Because this is a park environment, the lens needs to be able to stand up to all kinds of traffic, from kids to dogs to bicycles!”
Color temperature is 3000K, which was a city standard, but Harris said this would have been her choice regardless, as it provides an overall warmer environment.
Ninety of the luminaires are used to illuminate the trees throughout the park environment: around the amphitheater, along the walkways, and in front of a library on the opposite side of the park. They add interest while contributing to overall ambient illumination. A narrow flood distribution was selected to uplight each tree. To conform to IES recommendations for Dark Sky, the fixtures are intentionally aimed at the trunk to minimize uplight.
The dramatic illumination of the pedestrian bridge has become a "social media darling," according to a local publication. M9400C luminaires are installed at the base of each bridge pylon. A narrow spot distribution not only uplights the striking architecture but also enhances the illumination and contributes to a feeling of security in an area that might otherwise be darker.
Suwanee's Town Center won "Public Works Project of the Year" from the American Public Works Association/Georgia Chapter. But it's residents that are the real winners.
"People are drawn to this park, and they just love it," said Harris. "It's inviting no matter the time of day or night. Every time I'm in the area, I can see that the place is packed. Families and friends are truly enjoying the space, and I'm really proud to have been a part of this."
Project Completion: August 2024
Lighting Design: CPL
Agent: Lighting Associates, Inc.
Photography: David Keith Photography
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