ALPHARETTA, GA—North American Properties officials say the retail component of it $600-milion mixed-use Avalon project here is 97% leased.

The Cincinnati, OH-based firm held a “topping out” for the Avalon venture on Wednesday. North American says it has secured 15 new retail leases and has long waiting lists for its residences at the property that will also feature office development. The retail component is scheduled to open on Oct. 30.

"Avalon is the future of retail," said Mark Toro, managing partner of NAP. "Creating a walkable community that infuses hospitality into every aspect—this is the experience today's retailers are attracted to, as it is what their customers are demanding. The fact that we are 97% leased six months from the grand opening is the most powerful indicator."

Recently signed retail deals include leases with: J. Crew, Crate & Barrel, Calypso St. Barth, Bantu, LensCrafters, BCBG, Sunglass Hut, Road Runner Sports, Soft Surroundings, J. Jill, Goldberg's Deli, J. McLaughlin, Boston Proper, Lou & Grey and Columbia Sportswear.

"The interest we have had in our residential product has been nothing short of spectacular," says Richard Munger, development partner at NAP. "We recently released floor plans for 250 luxury rentals and received 900 waiting list requests within three weeks. Our 101 unit for-sale offering, released last summer, has accumulated a list of over 2,600 families seeking the Avalon experience."

Avalon is a sustainably designed 2.4-million-square-foot project being built on an 86-acre parcel that will feature more than 500,000 square feet of retail, a 12-screen all premium theater, conference center and full-service hotels, Class A office space, single-family residences and luxury rental homes.