www.GoodMorningGwinnett.com GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the owner of a major shopping center near Mall of Georgia into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to court filings.

Washington Prime Group — which operates Mall of Georgia Crossing in Buford as well as 101 other shopping centers nationwide — made its filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, according to USA Today and other news outlets. The company itself is based in Columbus, Ohio.

Mall of Georgia Crossing is home to 25 tenants including Target, Hobby Lobby, Staples and Best Buy. Chapter 11 bankruptcy would allow the mall to stay open and Washington Prime to remain in business while it restructures its debt.

SOURCE: www.Patch.com