Guide to Gwinnett Cities -  Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Named for naval commander Captain James Lawrence and incorporated in 1821, Lawrenceville has impressive credentials as the county seat and the second oldest city in Metro Atlanta. Lawrenceville’s original town square remains the heart of downtown and the iconic courthouse is a landmark recognized throughout the county. In the early days, it was a great challenge to keep livestock from trampling the courthouse lawn. Today, the courthouse and its grounds are the site for weddings, special events and community gatherings.

Lawrenceville’s downtown, referred to as The DTL, continues to grow and develop as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment – and more than a few film and TV productions. (We see you Ozark!) This vibrant area includes the Aurora Theatre, an ever-growing list of locally owned restaurants, and Slow Pour Brewing Company, Gwinnett’s first craft beer brewery, and the Depot District’s latest addition, Ironshield Brewing, Georgia’s fifth largest brewery. The downtown square is the site of a range of popular events and festivals, including, St. Paddy’s on Perry, Octoberfest, Free Comic Book Day, the Hometown Christmas Parade and the Lawrenceville Ghost tours. In late 2020, the City added permanent lighting to the trees surrounding the historic square.The Lawrenceville Lawn, just a block off the square, is the site of the annual Concerts on the Lawn and a host of other events throughout the year. The Lawn recently underwent a $1.8 million renovation to add a permanent amphitheater, arbor shades and tables, additional bathrooms and parking.

In 2021, the City of Lawrenceville will celebrate is bicentennial year. Gwinnett’s County Seat has accomplished a great deal in 200 years. Enhancing quality of life for visitors and its some 30,000 residents remains a constant priority for city leaders – the city is currently constructing a $35 million arts complex, expanding the current home of the Aurora Theatre. Completion is expected in 2021. A boutique hotel and conference center, along with a City Parking Deck are also planned for the downtown area and will be complete in late 2020 (parking deck) and mid 2021 (hotel). The SouthLawn, a 35-acre development including residential and retail, began leasing in 2019 and is the new home of hometown favorite, The Peachtree Café. The College Corridor, a 2.2. mile linear park connecting Georgia Gwinnett College with the downtown area will be complete in early 2021. For more information, visit downtownlawrencevillega.com or lawrencevillega.org.


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