Recommendations / Downtown Development / Big Idea #2: Downtown Gateway

Big Idea #2: Downtown Gateway

Part of the "D3 - Destination Downtown Douglasville" initiative

Downtown DevelopmentDouglasville/Douglas$500,000–$1,000,000

Overview

Develop the portion of Highway 78/Broad Street from the old mill site to the core downtown commercial district in order to address beautification and connectivity between the Highway 92 project and Downtown Douglasville. The project includes aesthetic upgrades, pedestrian-friendly improvements, infill/redevelopment, and possible redevelopment or short-term greenspace activation of the blighted old mill property.

Action plan

Short-term
Clean up the old mill site. If anything salvageable remains that shows the site’s history, stabilize it to preserve history and make the site visually appealing until redevelopment can occur.
Medium-term
Work on sidewalk and streetscape enhancements along Highway 78 from downtown. Seek GDOT funding for streetscape improvements. Add proper signage, lighting, and sidewalks, either together or in phases.
Long-term
Work with property owners along Highway 78 to create a plan to re-establish vibrant businesses and aesthetically pleasing properties. Seek owners of current underdeveloped properties who may be interested in redeveloping, selling, or renting.

Expected impact

Projected Facility UpgradesInfrastructure

Tracks cleanup and stabilization of the old mill site.

Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Walkability ImprovementInfrastructure

Tracks sidewalk, lighting, landscaping, and signage improvements that would make Highway 78 more walkable into downtown.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Public Space ImprovementCommunity

Tracks creation of a unique look and feel for Downtown Douglasville.

Projected Smart TechnologyInfrastructure

Tracks possible digital signage used to promote downtown events.

Projected Implementation CompletionOperational

Tracks timeline for completion of the initiative.

Projected Public Private PartnershipsInstitutional

Tracks collaboration with property owners, DDA, city, and other partners for redevelopment/acquisition.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Long Term Service ContinuityEconomic

Tracks long-term re-establishment of vibrant businesses and aesthetically pleasing properties along Highway 78.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Accessibility InfrastructureInfrastructure

Tracks creation of a clear entryway into downtown.

Projected Construction CompletionInfrastructure

Tracks basic entryway signs into downtown.

Projected: 20,000 Dollars
Projected Facility UpgradesInfrastructure

Tracks reduction in the number of blighted properties.

Projected Facility UtilizationEconomic

Tracks percentage of occupied properties in downtown.

Projected Green Space ExpansionInfrastructure

Tracks acres converted to green space.

Projected Transport ConnectivityInfrastructure

Tracks the development of the Highway 78/Broad Street gateway connection from the old mill site to the core downtown commercial district and new Highway 92 interchange.

Projected Transport ConnectivityInfrastructure

Tracks the traffic context created by Highway 92 relocation.

Projected: 5,000-6,000 Vehicles per day
Projected Execution RiskOperational

Tracks variance from project budget.

Projected Construction CompletionInfrastructure

Tracks number of new signs.

Projected Construction CompletionInfrastructure

Tracks new sidewalks, curbing, and other infill improvements.

Projected: 600,000 Dollars
Projected Walkability ImprovementInfrastructure

Tracks miles of new or rehabilitated sidewalks.

Key stakeholders

Downtown DouglasvilleHighway 78 / Broad Street corridorHighway 92 interchangeOld mill site/propertyCore downtown commercial districtDowntown Development Authority / DDACity of DouglasvilleProperty owners along Highway 78Owners of underdeveloped propertiesVacant or blighted properties in target areaGeorgia Department of Transportation / GDOTGeorgia Environmental Protection DivisionGeorgia Transportation Enhancement ProgramDepartment of Community Affairs Downtown Development Revolving Loan FundGeorgia Historic PreservationFederal Historic Preservation Tax CreditsDowntown businesses / retail and commerceOffice/professional usesResidentsOut-of-town visitors to downtownRailroadUtility providers

Estimated budget

New signage/basic entryway signs into downtown: around $20,000. New sidewalks, curbing, and other infill improvements: around $600,000 depending on scope. Costs may increase depending on moving utilities, size of the improvement area, and features included. Total not fixed; proposal may be costly depending on undertaking size.