Augusta...Downtown, Medical District, Old Towne

[Topher1]

Well, according to the article, its a 6 acre site... That's a pretty large area, and I'd anticipate that they would try to use most of the site, meaning a shorter tower... Of course, depending on how they have to work around the train depot, it could result in an interesting design...

The way I see it, they HAVE to put a tower there to enable river views. A sprawling 3-4 story structure would barely be able to see over the bluff and the riverwalk, so that wouldn't create very many units with water views... And I don't think it could be too tall either, since, like I said, 6 acres is a lot of land to build on in a downtown area...

[socaguy]

Maybe 3-4 buildings in the 8-12 floor range? Guess we will have to wait to see what happens...

[PJA]

The Augusta-Richmond Co. Coliseum Authority welcomed new board members whose goals include getting bigger acts to come perform in the Civic Center. This has always been an issue with the Civic Center as many acts don't come because it's not big enough. Anyway here is more info.

an update on the St. Joseph's Hospital situation here

[PJA]

The Downtown Development Authority/Main Street Augusta is tackling a 4 million dollar project to spruce up downtown. This includes new sidewalks between sixth and thirteenth streets, new lampposts and better landscaping.

[PJA]

Update on the new Augusta library

[PJA]

Building adequate parking may be a problem for the new Augusta Library. The libarary will sit on 2 acres of land and after being built only about an acre of land will be available for parking. That will only make 60-80 parking spaces and 30 across the street and to be at code they must have 300 spots. The library will ask two churches to have use of their parking lots and hope that the county will waive the 300 requirement. Officials are also looking at the cost of a parking deck.

[socaguy]

90,000 sq. feet is pretty big for a library. Im hoping for AT LEAST 5 floors...maybe taller. In all reality though it doesnt matter, Augusta needs a new library whether it be 2 floor or 10 floors!

[PJA]

Parking is becoming a problem downtown, but according to this article, it's a good thing.

Full Article

[PJA]

In an effort to attract people and businesses downtown, the Augusta Common now offers free wireless internet for laptop users. Here are the details.

[socaguy]

I drove by the new Rehab hospital on Walton Way last weekend and the skeleton for the building is up. It is only a 2 floor building but looks like it will make a pretty big impact on this area of Walton Way in the Medical District.

[PJA]

The commssion may decided to merge Main Street Augusta into the Downtown Development Authority. They currently work as seperate entities that are striving for the same goals. Here are the details.

The Article

[PJA]

Here's an update on the Kroc Center.

Update

[PJA]

More money is being allocated to improve the Augusta Canal. Here's the scoop.

[PJA]

Here's an article that describes the goals of the Downtown Development Authority for the next year.

The Article

Also here's a link to their new website.

www.augustadda.org

Edited May 27, 2006 by PJA

[PJA]

The Big Screen returns to downtown. Two old theatres will start showing movies again. Here's the article.

The Details

[Topher1]

Awesome! I can't wait to check out some films at these theatres. The Miller refurb is one of the most exciting things happening right now in Augusta. If these are successful, it will be a great boost to the energy and reputation of downtown...

[Pillsbury]

I thought this was a pretty good article in the Metro Spirit about people moving back downtown: Here

[PJA]

I thought this was a pretty good article in the Metro Spirit about people moving back downtown: Here

That was an excellent article. I wouldn't mind buying a condo downtown myself if it were made more nicer and more accessible retail or other businesses I frequent.

[PJA]

Here's an article about the Augusta and the North Augusta downtown areas.

the article

[PJA]

The James Brown statue has been removed to a temporary location while a pedestel is being constructed. It is expected to be finished by the end of June.

[PJA]

A group of downtown business owners met with Sherriff Ronnie Strength to discuss improving First Friday. Here's the article.

[PJA]

Here's an article about the Saturday Market which is held downtown every Saturday.

the article

[PJA]

SNO-CAP, a drive-in restaurant in North Augusta that is over 40 years old will be featured on a special on SCETV. The special covers drive-in restaurants and drive-in movie theatres in South Carolina. There are only three historic drive in restaurants left in South Carolina. Also Monetta's drive in theatre will be featured. Here's the full article.

My bad, this should be under the aiken county thread.

Edited June 12, 2006 by PJA

[PJA]

Here's something that will help drive even more business downtown....literally.

the article

[PJA]

Heres more on the canal project.