A proposed mini-city taking shape in Gwinnett County took a major step toward becoming reality after successfully wooing a global biopharmaceutical giant.

Why it matters: UCB's investment is the largest in county history and accelerates plans for Rowen, a 2,000-acre research-focused "knowledge community" halfway between Atlanta and Athens.

Zoom in: The Brussels-based company's 460,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will hold more than 330 employees working on new autoimmune and neurological medicines, project officials said Tuesday.

• More than 1,000 construction workers will work on the project, which could take six to seven years to complete, officials said.

Catch up quick: The research and innovation hub near the city of Dacula aims to tweak the outdated office park model and cluster agriculture, pharmaceutical and environmental science companies on a single campus.

• Think Research Triangle Park on a more human scale, with extensive green and gathering spaces, located 35 miles from Atlanta.

The initiative is overseen by the Rowen Foundation, a nonprofit that includes officials from Georgia Tech, UGA and Emory on its board.

What they're saying: "This project will have a reach well beyond our immediate site, creating a wide variety of jobs and unique opportunities from Atlanta to Athens to Gainesville and beyond," Rowen Foundation CEO Mason Ailstock told Axios in a statement.

• "Our goal is to create a generational and sustainable impact, and having a partner like UCB is a great first step. But there is much more to come."

In the weeds: County officials have pledged more than $170 million in property tax breaks, waived permitting fees, and offered other incentives for the project, according to Gwinnett officials.

What's next: Crews completed work installing a street network and infrastructure in 2025.

• This year, officials will break ground on the Convergence Center, a central building with spaces for research, performances, exhibitions and meetings.

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Stock up on allergy meds and enjoy the sunshine and pleasant temperatures with these events across Atlanta:

📃 Starting Friday, the Atlanta History Center will host a traveling exhibit by the National Archives that showcases documents that were crucial to our country's founding.

• The Freedom Plane National Tour: The Documents that Forged a Nation will be on display at the Buckhead museum through April 12.

🎥 Check out cinematic works from a variety of countries and cultures at the African Film Festival. (Thurs.-Mon.)

🧸 Relive your childhood and check out vintage toys, as well as some new trinkets, at Toylanta. (Fri.-Sun.)

⚾ The Braves kick off home opener weekend with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. (Fri.-Sun.)

🌸 'Tis the season for the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival. (Sat.-Sun.)

🛹 Little 5 Fest is back, bringing music, skateboarding and an artist market to Atlanta's most eclectic neighborhood. (Sat.)

🏀 The Hawks are at home this weekend, and will host the Sacramento Kings. (Sat.)

🎤 For Gen Xers who love R&B: Get your tickets to see New Edition, Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men at State Farm Arena. (Sun.)

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The typical age of first-time homebuyers is rising in pricey states like California — and falling in more affordable Midwestern and Southern markets, according to industry data provider Cotality.

Why it matters: High prices, near-6% mortgage rates, and a housing shortage are delaying homeownership for many.

By the numbers: The median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. has held relatively steady at 32 as of September 2025, per Cotality's analysis of mortgage applications from people with no prior property ownership.

• A separate survey from the National Association of Realtors puts that number higher, at a record 40 years old.

Zoom in: Atlanta's median age was 34 years old, according to Cotality's data.

• That's slightly younger than metros such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and New York City where the typical first-time buyer was 35 or 36 years old.

Zoom out: Among all 50 U.S. states, Hawaii saw the highest median age at 38 (up from 34 in 2019), followed by California at 35 (up from 33).

• Georgia's median age stood at 33, up one year from 2019.

Go deeper

Phoenix 3000 was out exploring… the twittens of Druid Hills!

Flashback: The blink-and-you'll-miss-them paths running between houses in helped residents and workers reach a streetcar stop on Oxford Road.

Fun fact: The walkways have been referred to as "maid's walks" due to the fact that domestic workers used the paths before and after their jobs cleaning and managing homes in the neighborhood.

• The nearby Atkins Park neighborhood is also home to a twitten.

Yes, and: Phoenix 3000 said the busted eyebrow is a result of constantly rising from the ashes and reinventing himself. "That takes a toll on a person," he said.

Congrats to Robert A., Brandon C. and Paula R.!

🏫 DeKalb County parents say they do not feel the district's school closure public input process has been transparent. (Decaturish)

💵 If you call 911 in Douglas County for medical assistance, but aren't taken to the hospital, you will have to pay a $100 fee. (11 Alive)

Legislators are considering a bill that would make Georgia the first state in the country to require public school students be checked for weapons everyday. (AP)

🎒 A new superintendent has been hired to lead Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia's largest school district. (AJC)