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.