The City of Canton has taken significant steps towards revitalizing its downtown area with the recent purchase of the Cherokee North Apartments and two adjacent parcels. This acquisition, finalized on August 19th, is part of a broader initiative to develop a mixed-use project that will incorporate retail, office spaces, potential residential units, a hotel, and a joint parking deck for the Cherokee County Courts.

City officials emphasized their commitment to the current residents of Cherokee North Apartments, assuring them that their leases and rates will be honored for the next 12 months, as the former owners will continue to manage the property during this transition. This approach aims to provide stability for residents while the city plans for future development.

In the coming months, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will collaborate with private engineers to survey the properties and engage in master planning for the new development. City officials expressed a desire to gather input from residents to ensure their needs are considered in the planning process.

Additionally, the DDA has contracted Goodwin Mills and Kaywood GMC, an architectural engineering firm known for its work on metropolitan town center projects, to assist in envisioning the potential layout and functionality of the new site. Stakeholder meetings are expected to commence later this month to facilitate community involvement in the planning discussions.

In other news, the city is gearing up for its multicultural festival this Saturday, which will be held at the newly developed Harmon Park. This year’s event will highlight the park's new mini pitch field, enhancing the venue for the annual soccer tournament.