Augusta, GA

Aiken Mall to receive more shopping and residential spaces

Published

11 months ago

June 6, 2023

Press Room

Aiken Mall to receive more shopping and residential spaces

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The old Aiken Mall is about to get a facelift.

Right now, all that sits in the space is a Belk.

Southeastern Development Associated is transforming the space to include shopping, residential space, and greenways.

The new development will house 256 apartments, a park, and two retail buildings that already have two tenants signed on.

A sign reads “no parking fire lane.” It’s one of the last few remaining pieces left of what was the Aiken Mall.

Now it stands as a sign of what’s to come.

Aiken is open for business, big business.

“Even though there are almost two months of revenues yet to be reported were about eight percent above,” said City Manager Stuart Bedenbaugh.

There’s a lot more shopping headed Aiken’s way because one stop is all some people have.

Theresa Hogg, of Barnwell, S.C., said: “It takes away from family time first. And then you have to prioritize what you need where you need to go and make your trip count.”

Hogg makes the trip once a week from Barnwell to meet her shopping needs, while others are making Aiken home.

Bedenbaugh said: “The Savannah River Site, the so-called Gray Tsunami. As folks retire from the site, workers are needed to be hired to replace them. We’re seeing younger workers come in. The climate and the cost of living here, I believe is extremely good.”

More people equals more living space.

“The Village at Woodside is approximately 100 Class A apartments again market-rate apartments. So that’s coming in. There are other potential apartments on the books at Greg Highway near the Robert and Bell Parkway,” said Bedenbaugh.

Hogg said: “We need some family-oriented things. Because you know, we’re getting away from family but there seem to be getting some good food places here. But you know, if you have a one-stop shop, it always works better.”

The Southeastern Development Company says that the shells will be done in the next three to four months, then tenants will start to move in.

They’re hopeful that some of the businesses will open by the end of the year.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta Fire Department breaks ground for new station

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Press Room

Augusta Fire Department breaks ground for new station

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Fire Department held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station 3 on Wednesday.

The new station is located at 2075 Powell Road.

This event marks the beginning of the construction process for a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure.

SEE THE FULL CEREMONY:

“Fire Station 3′s launch will boost our emergency services with cutting-edge technology, reinforcing our swift, effective community safety response,” said Fire Chief Antonio Burden. “We’re excited to enhance Augusta’s exceptional fire and EMS services as our community grows.”

The ceremony included insights from city and fire department leaders, offering attendees a closer look at the project’s community benefits.

For more information, please contact Public Information Officer Chiquita Richardson at 706-825-1076.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta leaders get a look at Brigham Community Center renovations

Published

13 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Press Room

Augusta leaders get a look at Brigham Community Center renovations

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re getting a look at renovations happening over at the Henry Brigham Community Center.

On Wednesday, Augusta Department of Parks and Recreation staff took city leaders on a tour for all of the progress.

Back in 2022, the center closed to start the multimillion dollar project.

You can expect a brand-new kitchen, dance hall, weight room, locker rooms and sauna and steam.

The new gym can hold up to 500 people.

An e-sports room is coming too.

The original projected price was $8.3 million, and it came in slightly over budget at $8.6 million to $8.7 million.

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Augusta, GA

2 buildings damaged in church fire along Essie McIntyre Boulevard

Published

20 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Press Room

2 buildings damaged in church fire along Essie McIntyre Boulevard

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Fire Department crews responded to a blaze Tuesday afternoon at a church at Essie McIntyre Boulevard and Meadow Street.

The fire at Fellowship Baptist Church didn’t injure anyone but damaged two buildings.

It broke out around 4 p.m. in a light-colored concrete-block storage building.

The back part of a building burned, with smoke pouring out a window, blackening the area around the opening.

“Upon arrival, those crews witness smoke and flames coming through the front door on the right side,” said Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden.

The heat from the flames melted and warped the gray vinyl siding of a nearby building that was being renovated to serve as a fellowship hall.

Pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church of Augusta, Morris Jones, said: “I’m thankful. I’m grateful that it was contained and it didn’t do more damage. I was at work and got that, that notification and saw that fire and said, ‘Wow.’ I initially called the fire department, and police department and just went into prayer because the last thing I wanted was for someone to get hurt.”

The goals of the church will remain the same moving past the flames.

“The future of this building is going to be a fellowship resource center. We’re going to use it for the children of this community and feed the community like we use it now. Hopefully, we make a difference. In this neighborhood,” said Jones.

This building at Essie McIntyre Boulevard and Meadow Street was damaged by a fire on April 23, 2024.(WRDW)

According to Richmond County dispatchers, the fire was first reported at 4:03 p.m. Tuesday.

Witnesses reported large flames in the area around 4:10 p.m.

About eight firetrucks responded.

Burden said the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Jones wants his congregation and community to know they’ll rise from the ashes.

“God is still in control. We know things are gonna happen, but as long as we trust God, everything to work out,” said Jones. “Continue to trust God, pray and see what God does next because He’s gonna do some powerful things in this neighborhood. We just got to be ready to position so when he acts we can move on time.”

The main worship area was untouched by the flames, so church services there would go on as normal.

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