February 15, 2018
CONTACT: Lindsey Wiles
Communications Manager
City of Marietta
lwiles@mariettaga.gov
770.794.5509
MARIETTA – The City of Marietta is pleased to announce that Drive Shack is the newest addition to the Franklin Gateway Corridor, joining other top brands like Atlanta United FC, The Home Depot Technology Center, and IKEA US.
Drive Shack is a year-round sports entertainment destination that combines golf, dining, competition and fun. The Franklin Gateway location will feature three levels with hitting bays housed within a building where people can enjoy tech-powered golf games. Visitors can also spectate from the restaurant area, event space, or complimentary game lounge. Drive Shack will curate and support a compelling, unforgettable customer experience that will keep golfers and non-golfers alike coming back to Marietta and Franklin Gateway area yearlong.
“We are thrilled that Drive Shack has chosen the City of Marietta and Franklin Gateway as its anchor in Georgia,” said Mayor Steve Tumlin. “I, along with all members of our City Council, would like to humbly thank the citizens of our great City for believing in the vision our leaders had in 2013 with the Redevelopment Bond. We look forward to the high volume of jobs this sports entertainment facility will bring to the City and Franklin Gateway!”
Drive Shack will be built on 17.18 acres which the City purchased through the 2013 Redevelopment Bond. The site purchased by the City of Marietta in 2013 originally consisted of 24.5 acres. The future Drive Shack location is expected to open in 2019 and will be a $20-25 million investment which will not only provide 450+ new jobs along the Franklin Gateway corridor but will also provide significant annual sales and property tax revenue for local governments and the school system.
About Drive Shack
Drive Shack is a subsidiary of Drive Shack Inc., which is a publicly traded owner and operator of golf-related leisure and entertainment businesses. Drive Shack is developing venues across the country that are reimagining the traditional concept of a golf course through blended, industry leading technology, design and service that creates the golf entertainment experience for every skill-level and interest. Its first venue in Orlando, Florida is expected to open in early 2018, with additional sites expected to open later in 2018. Unlike traditional driving ranges, Drive Shack’s golf entertainment complexes will feature technologically-enhanced, signature golf-based games using complementary TaylorMade clubs and are designed for players of all skill levels. Each venue will have full-service food and beverage areas as well as private event space that can accommodate groups from 10 up to 1,000 in size. Drive Shack Inc. also owns American Golf, one of the largest owners and operators of golf properties nationwide.
About the Marietta Redevelopment Bond
In November 2013, the Citizens of the City of Marietta passed a $68 million Redevelopment Bond of which $64 million was allocated towards the Franklin Gateway Redevelopment initiative. Franklin Gateway bond funds have been invested to purchase four aging apartment complexes and a blighted retail center on Franklin Gateway leading to new private investment and the creation of thousands of jobs in the corridor.