Demolition of the former Olympic tennis stadium in Stone Mountain officially began Tuesday, August 1. Officials from Gwinnett County, the Stone Mountain Memorial Association and the Evermore Community Improvement District offered a farewell and shared their excitement about a new life for the site.

The County acquired ownership of the 24-acre tennis complex on U.S. 78 last year in exchange for a 35-acre parcel adjacent to the park’s golf course.

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairman Nash said, “We are grateful to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association for working with us in our acquisition of the property. Our goal is to demolish the existing structures and return the site to a green field to make it attractive to potential developers.” She noted this is the first time Gwinnett County has acquired land with the intention of selecting a private firm through a competitive process to redevelop it.

Olympic tennis matches at the facility were televised around the world during 12 days almost exactly 21 years ago. “Memorabilia from the stadium will be saved for a future exhibit honoring the Olympic spirit that found a home in Gwinnett County,” promised Jim Brooks, Executive Director of the Evermore CID. He added that the Gwinnett Sports Commission would be the stewards of the items.

“The County is poised to turn this site into a community asset. This gateway project will project a new image of Gwinnett County to everyone driving up or down U.S. 78 going to or from Atlanta,” said District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard. She further reminisced about the Centennial Olympic Games and said that with Gwinnett County’s own bicentennial next year she looks forward to whatever exciting new development takes shape there in the future.

District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks reminded the audience that Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport both won gold for the United States on the site. “Now we are offering a new lease on life for this property, and I know the neighbors will gladly welcome a new development here,” he said. “I’m excited to see what unfolds.”

Nash discussed her satisfaction with this new Southern Gateway to Gwinnett project. “It’s a solution that will result in a win-win for all of us—the County, Stone Mountain Park, the Evermore CID, the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, and the local economy. I’m confident that whatever gets built here next will be a catalyst for future growth and development in this community.”

Photos from the event can be found on Flickr at https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1Ndtgr. On-demand video of the ceremony will be available soon at TVgwinnett.com.