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Forest Park officials preview murals, mixed-use housing and Grapevine operator search
Summary
The city's economic development director said new Main Street banners and multiple mural projects are under way, the Grapevine facility construction is expected this fall, and developers pursuing tax credits hope a 60-unit mixed-use project will catalyze downtown revitalization.
Director Dennis, the city's economic development director, told residents the new seasonal banners are up along Main Street and the newly formed Public Art Review Board will meet next week to oversee public-art projects. "Finally the new banners are up," Dennis said, noting spring banners are in place and summer designs are coming.
Dennis said Arts Clayton and the county tourism office selected Forest Park for a countywide mural program and that another mural is planned in partnership with NASA at the Grapevine facility. "We do and again additionally have the mural ... in partnership with NASA," he said, and added the NASA mural is expected before the end of June.
The Grapevine facility is under active construction, Dennis said, with crews visible on site; city staff estimate completion in the October'November timeframe and have begun an RFP process to select restaurant operators for three retail spaces plus a drive-through and a central full-service bar. "You should see as you drive past the construction crews out there on a daily basis," he said.
Downtown redevelopment plans include two projects the city is watching closely: Preswick Development Group holds contracts on 760 and 770 Main Street for a proposed 60-unit mixed-use development that has applied for Department of Community Affairs (DCA) tax credits; Dennis said they have submitted a second-round DCA application. "We're all going to cross our fingers ... that they get their DCA tax credits," he said. Nearby, a contract to expand the Georgia Utility Contractors Association headquarters at 797 Main Street will appear before the urban design review board.
Dennis also highlighted smaller infill projects across the city and celebrated the Magnolia Lounge's ribbon-cutting under new ownership on Jonesboro Road, calling the reopening a community asset that has contributed to local schools.
Why it matters: The projects Dennis outlined tie beautification and public art to economic strategy, and the success of the DCA tax-credit application and operator selection for Grapevine will influence downtown momentum and the timing of new retail and housing.
What's next: City staff will continue to update residents as the DCA decision and operator selection proceed; the Public Art Review Board meets next week and the Grapevine operator RFP process is under way.
