Westwood Financial Plants Flag in Sandy Springs with New Atlanta HQ

SANDY SPRINGS, GA – February 02, 2026 – In a move that underscores a bullish outlook on Atlanta’s suburban markets, leading retail real estate investment firm Westwood Financial has officially relocated its Atlanta headquarters to a vibrant mixed-use development in Sandy Springs. The new office, situated within the Glenridge Springs retail center the company acquired late last year, consolidates its regional team under one roof and marks a significant strategic pivot towards integrating corporate operations directly within its own thriving retail assets.

This relocation is more than a simple change of address; it represents a calculated investment in one of the Sunbelt's most dynamic submarkets and a forward-looking approach to the modern workplace. By embedding its headquarters within a fully leased, amenity-rich environment, Westwood is not only doubling down on its Georgia portfolio but also championing a model where corporate life and community commerce seamlessly intersect.

A Strategic Bet on the Sunbelt's Retail Powerhouse

Westwood Financial’s move into Glenridge Springs is the latest chapter in an aggressive, well-capitalized expansion across the American Sunbelt. The firm, which recently celebrated its 55th anniversary, has made its strategy clear: acquire and enhance high-quality, necessity-based retail centers in affluent, high-growth metropolitan areas. The acquisition of the 20,001-square-foot retail component at Glenridge Springs in November 2025 was a textbook execution of this playbook.

That purchase was part of a broader wave of investment. In recent months, Westwood has expanded its footprint with key acquisitions such as the Shops at Stone Creek in Rockwall, Texas, and properties in Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. This expansion is fueled by significant financial firepower; the firm recently upsized its corporate credit facility to $470 million, providing ample liquidity to “compete aggressively” for prime assets in a competitive market.

"As we close out a milestone year marking Westwood Financial's 55th anniversary, we are entering 2026 with a clear focus on positioning the firm for continued growth and long-term performance," said KC Bills, the company's CEO. He emphasized that the move is a core part of this vision. "The new space is intentionally designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and connectivity across teams. We are strengthening our ability to move faster and execute with greater alignment to continue delivering long-term value for our stakeholders."

Sandy Springs Emerges as a Corporate and Commercial Hub

The choice of Sandy Springs is a testament to the city’s burgeoning status as a premier destination for corporations and residents alike. Located just north of Atlanta’s core, the area has become a magnet for development, boasting powerful demographic and economic fundamentals. The population has swelled by over 16% since 2010, and the dense residential neighborhoods surrounding Glenridge Springs feature average household incomes exceeding $178,000.

This strong economic base supports a robust commercial environment. The Glenridge Springs development itself is a microcosm of this activity, housing the corporate headquarters for major employers like Go2Foods and Havertys. This built-in daytime population of office workers, combined with affluent local residents and proximity to major medical centers, creates sustained demand for the retail tenants—a fact evidenced by the center’s 100% lease rate, an improvement from 91% at the time of Westwood's acquisition.

Lauren Ball, Westwood's Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the firm's conviction in the market. "This strategic relocation reinforces our confidence in the Atlanta market and our commitment to continuously enhance the level of service we provide to our tenants and stakeholders," she stated. "The Sandy Springs MSA continues to benefit from strong population growth and proximity to Atlanta's key business districts, positioning it as a magnet for new development and sustained long-term demand."

Westwood’s deep roots in the region, which include 17 retail assets across Georgia, reflect a long-term belief in the state's favorable business climate, rising incomes, and leadership in the technology and employment sectors.

Redefining the Office: Blending Work, Life, and Retail

Beyond the financial strategy, the relocation to Glenridge Springs highlights a significant trend in corporate real estate: the fusion of the workplace with lifestyle amenities. Westwood has deliberately moved its team away from a traditional, isolated office tower and into the heart of a bustling community center. This philosophy is not new for the company; its 2022 relocation of its Los Angeles headquarters was also guided by a desire for a modern, collaborative space that would attract and retain top talent.

Employees at the new Sandy Springs office have immediate, walkable access to a diverse slate of on-site tenants. The roster includes popular eateries like Qdoba, Firehouse Subs, Blue Moon Pizza, Sushi Nami, and Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, alongside service providers such as Venus Nail Lounge and Beauty Enhanced. This integration provides daily convenience and fosters a sense of community that is difficult to replicate in a conventional office park.

By situating its decision-makers within one of its own assets, Westwood also creates a powerful feedback loop. The corporate team can experience firsthand the daily rhythms of the shopping center, gaining invaluable, real-time insights into tenant performance, customer traffic, and property operations. This hands-on connection reinforces the firm's commitment to operational excellence and enhances its ability to manage its extensive portfolio of over 127 shopping centers across the country.

The move is a physical manifestation of the company’s investment thesis, demonstrating a belief that the most resilient commercial real estate assets are those deeply integrated into the fabric of their communities. As companies nationwide rethink the purpose and function of the physical office, Westwood Financial’s new headquarters offers a compelling model for the future, one where the lines between work, community, and commerce are not just blurred, but strategically interwoven for mutual benefit.