Local

Shannon Mall demolished for new movie studio

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — A failed Union City mall is coming down to make way for a new movie studio.

On Monday, bulldozers started knocking down Shannon Mall.

Thirty-four years ago, Shannon was the jewel of Union City.

Monday, Union City and south Fulton boosters and elected officials unveiled what the future for the 90-acre space will be – part warehouse distribution center and a huge TV and movie studio.

The project is another example of more movie and production coming to metro Atlanta thanks to state tax incentives for the movie industry.

Channel 2’s Diana Davis asked the chief of the new production facility if the movie bubble will burst in the metro area or if there more room to grow for Atlanta’s version of Hollywood.

“There are constantly producers who are looking to come here. The issue right this minute is that if you are a large-scale film and television content creator, there are no other spaces,” said Ed Richardson of Atlanta Metro Studios of Union City.

Shannon Mall was built in 1980. It was closed about four years ago. It was renamed Union Station in an attempt to revitalize it, but it didn't work. But the mall ran out of money and tenants were locked out with little or no warning.

The developer says construction will create 400 jobs,  and the facility will employ many more when the project is complete.

“Once the studio and distribution facility are up and running, probably close to 2,000 will be employed between the two developments,” said developer John Rooker.

Construction is expected to be done by the end of 2015.