Athens, GeorgiaS College Square Set for $7 Million Change
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Athens, Georgia, is poised to revitalize College Square, a pivotal one-block area adjacent to the University of Georgia, with a comprehensive $7 million redevelopment project approved by the county commission in May 2025. The planned overhaul promises a more pedestrian-pleasant habitat and a boost to the local economy,but also raises questions about parking and support for the city’s unhoused population.
This project represents a meaningful investment in the heart of Athens,aiming to strengthen the connection between the university and the broader community. The redevelopment will impact students, residents, business owners, and visitors alike, potentially reshaping the area’s character for decades to come. Construction is slated to begin in January 2026, with completion expected by August of the same year.
A Pedestrian-focused Design
Sence its closure to vehicular traffic in October 2020,College Square has been ripe for reimagining. The approved plan centers around maintaining a car-free zone with a flat brick surface extending between storefronts. Key elements include the addition of a new tree canopy to provide shade, increased seating options for public use, and a more expansive, adaptable event space designed to host a variety of gatherings.
Athens Mayor Kelly Girtz emphasized the long-term vision, stating, “If you think a decade, or two decades, or three decades hence, you’re making a more magnetic, more attractive environment for everybody who lives here, comes to visit, and comes to study.”
Balancing Progress with Preservation
While the redevelopment is largely welcomed, some business owners express cautious optimism. Frank Eberhart, owner of Marvin Shoe Services – a local institution celebrating its 50th anniversary – acknowledges the need for improvements but stresses the importance of careful consideration. “We did a pair of boots one time, years ago, shined them up purty as they could be.I did want them like that; it took me three years to get them like that. Now you ask questions first,” Eberhart shared. “Athens is an old town. It needs some changes, but some you leave alone.”
Eberhart’s concerns center on the potential impact on customer access, specifically parking availability, and the need for a proactive strategy to address the needs of the unhoused population in the area. These are critical considerations as the city moves forward with the design phase.
