Economic development staff gave the Urban Redevelopment Agency a broad update on downtown programming, public art and several private development proposals under review.

Staff described new designs for Main Street light‑pole banners and an upcoming public art call to repaint and brand roughly 26 planter boxes under a program staff called “Boxes in Blooms.” Staff also outlined a slate of upcoming events, including a Friday evening “refresh, sip and stretch” event and the return of the Blues on Main festival in October.

On development activity, staff said the Prestwick project at 7670 Main Street is now being marketed as the Florence On Main and that the developer has applied to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for funding; the board should expect an update within a month on that funding application. Staff also said land behind a Waken Foods site at Gillum recently sold and is being cleared for a project identified as Oakmont.

Staff said they are vetting four developers interested in a mixed‑use redevelopment of the shopping‑plaza parcel at 964 Main Street and that Aerotropolis has identified a catalytic site called Forest Station behind the Chick‑fil‑A along Jonesboro Road. A private developer has also expressed interest in a potential Aldi near Forest Parkway; staff said conversations are preliminary.

On housing policy, planning staff implemented a text amendment that allows an “urban village” development form, permitting cottage courts and tiny‑home cluster designs. Staff said they have an initial concept plan for a site on Forest Parkway and that consulting firm TSW will present design options at the July URA meeting.

Project Splash closing and possible data center use

Staff reiterated that Project Splash has closed; while the URA has received limited information about potential end users, there has been early discussion about a data center on part of the property. Staff cautioned that details are preliminary, that not all data centers are the same, and that legal covenants and protections would be considered if a data center proposal advances. A presentation to the Urban Design Review Board was scheduled for June 20.

Why it matters

The items discussed—downtown placemaking, new development proposals and zoning for smaller‑scale housing types—affect downtown economic activity, housing options and the URA’s role in catalyzing private investment.

Next steps

TSW will present Forest Parkway concept designs at the July meeting; staff will update the board on DCA funding for the Florence On Main application and provide additional information on Oakmont and other potential projects as it becomes available.

Ending

Board members heard the updates and asked staff to return with design materials and funding updates at future meetings.