This idea that tenant interest at new Atlanta developments "has exceeded our expectations" is beginning to sound like a common refrain. That's precisely the tune Cousins Properties is singing in regards to Phase I of its Emory Point mixed-use project near the university, which has 80,000 square feet of retail. As one Cousins official told Atlanta INtown: "The Emory/CDC submarket clearly had a lot of pent up demand for both Class-A apartments and retail." Overall, the project is the first ground-up retail development in the Emory area in more than 20 years — and the largest private development to start ITP since the heart of the Great Recession. The success has translated to confidence: Emory Point's second phase is set to break ground in September.

Gables Residential developed the 443 Phase I apartments along with Cousins. The next helping of Gables residences — Phase II — will feature 300-plus luxury apartments and an additional 40,000-square-feet of retail space, Atlanta INtown reports. The current apartments are more than 75 percent leased.

Besides apartments, Phase 1 offered up these initial tenants:

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers; LOFT by Ann Taylor; Lizard Thicket; Francesca's Collections; American Threads; Strippaggio and fab'rik; restaurants Tin Lizzy's; Marlow's Tavern; La Tagliatella; Burgerfi; Bonefish Grill; Which Wich; The General Muir; F2O; Sweet Monkey and Paradise Biryani Point; as well as Jazmin Spa and CVS Pharmacy.

We're curious to know how people who live in the Emory area feel about the development overall ...

· Phase 2 of Emory Point to break ground in September [Atlanta INtown]

· Emory Point Welcomes Bevy of Phase I Retailers [Curbed Atlanta]