James_Sept-Oct_2025_web - Flipbook - Page 10
That campaign for cityhood culminated in a resounding 94 percent
vote in favor of incorporation on
June 21, 2005. It was a decision also
ratified by the state Legislature. Two
decades later, Sandy Springs has not
only matured as a city, Paul says,
but has cultivated a distinct identity built around quality of life, civic
engagement and cultural vibrancy.
It should be noted, too, that Sandy Springs blazed a new cityhood
trail that dozens of other communities would follow.
SANDY SPRINGS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
A Cultural Destination
One of the most visible symbols
of Sandy Springs’ transformation
is City Springs, the city’s unique,
vibrant, walkable city center, which
incorporates mixed-use development
introducing new dining, high-end
residential living, amenity retail and
entertainment options. The project
also features a performing arts center with two theaters. What began as
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a community center has become a
vital part of the city’s identity.
“On a Friday night, you’ll see
hundreds, sometimes thousands, of
people out enjoying concerts, plays
or just sitting under the trees listening to local artists,” said Paul. “It’s
become the connective tissue of our
community.”
JAMES SEPTEM B E R /O C TO B E R 2 0 2 5
What began as an effort to secure
basic municipal services has blossomed into a community rooted in
connection— what Paul fondly calls
“the connective tissue of community.”
Embracing the Future
Transitioning from an unincorporated area to a fully functioning city
