Alpharetta, Ga. — The Design Review Board unanimously approved Aug. 15 the streetscape and landscape plans for the initial portion of Dance Boulevard and Creek Street at the Continuum Alpharetta development, with a board recommendation that the applicant provide a written maintenance plan for the native perennial and ornamental grass plantings.

The board’s 7–0 vote covered the streetscape package that extends roughly 300–350 feet into the site from Windward Parkway. Presentation by Brian Dahl of b plus d Studio and Teddy Schrader of Kimley‑Horn described native‑focused plant palettes: about 90% native trees and roughly 65% native understory and perennial plantings, with expanded evergreen backdrops and irrigation tied to the monument sign and infrastructure schedule.

Staff and board members praised the approach, which features overstory street trees, sweeping swaths of grasses and perennials, and winter‑interest shrubs (witch hazel, viburnum, red‑twig dogwood) to ensure year‑round appearance. Kimley‑Horn confirmed coordination with the city on sight triangles and signal placement and said the landscape plan had been designed to preserve a stream buffer and meet the Big Creek watershed ecological goals. The plan also provides irrigation for the medians and planting areas as part of the infrastructure phasing.

Votes at a glance
- DRB motion to approve Continuum Alpharetta streetscape plans for Dance Boulevard and Creek Street (presented section from Windward Parkway south to Creek Street), with a recommendation to provide a landscape maintenance plan for perennials and grasses. Vote: 7–0 in favor.

Why it matters
The streetscape is the initial public face of the larger Continuum mixed‑use development and sets materials, planting palettes, and maintenance expectations for future phases. The board’s recommended maintenance plan is intended to preserve the intended native plant aesthetic and prevent premature or improper seasonal pruning that can undermine the ecological and visual intent.

What’s next
Applicant (Southwest Value Partners, landscape contractor Brasfield & Gory and others) will finalize a maintenance schedule — including seasonal pruning and grass cutback timing — and submit that plan to staff. The construction phasing will coordinate irrigation installation with monument sign and roadway infrastructure work.