Augusta, GA
Crews make progress in Downtown Augusta construction project
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction has continued across downtown Augusta, with the new Augusta Arena rising on schedule and on budget, the former Ramada Hotel under development under a new name, and roadwork on the 500 block of Broad Street set to begin next week.
Crews are currently building a crane to haul steel and begin work on the arena’s steel skeleton. The former Ramada Hotel, which had been vacant, is now under construction and has announced its new name: The Conroy.
Augusta burn center opens new cafeteria as part of $4.5M renovation
Orange construction barrels and cones along Broad Street have marked the area for some time. Steven Fishman, owner of Sidney’s — a business that has operated on Broad Street since 1894 — said he has watched the corridor change over the decades.
“I watched Broad Street expand. I watched Broad Street in 1960s, 1950s. It was jumping. Everything was happening,” Fishman said.
Some businesses have felt the impact of the ongoing construction. One source noted that businesses “can’t get foot traffic, and they can’t get parking,” adding that “there’s a lot of empty buildings on Broad Street.”
Dylan Pope, area manager for Sole and Fifth and Fire, said the disruption is part of a larger process.
“I think we’ve been wanting change for downtown and change comes with a process at the same time,” Pope said.
Pope said the construction represents a shift in what downtown Augusta could become.
“I think we’re making this more of a destination strip. You know, we’re making it to where people are going to come downtown and stay downtown,” Pope said.
He added that the work will benefit the area long-term.
“It’s going to lay the foundation for the future that I believe that a lot of us do want for downtown, which is putting money back into downtown and actually putting the right foot forward for downtown,” Pope said.
The original construction timeline projected the work could take up to 36 months, which would place the completion date in late next month. Empty buildings along the block are also being refreshed as part of the broader development activity.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
NJ apartment dwellers, renters have these options for help with rent
State and local officials say several programs are designed to help low and moderate-income households stay housed in the face of financial distress.
As rent prices continue to strain budgets, a new study is highlighting where Georgians can save the most by splitting housing costs.
According to a report from SmartAsset, some cities in Georgia offer major savings for renters who choose to live with a roommate.
Here’s what to know.
Where can you save the most in Georgia?
The study ranks Augusta as the top city in Georgia for roommate savings, and No. 6 in the country.
Renters there can save about 45% on monthly rent, or roughly $450 per month, by sharing an apartment.
Here’s how the costs compare in Augusta:
- One-bedroom rent: $1,000
- Two-bedroom rent: $1,100
- Estimated monthly savings with a roommate: $450
Why are roommate savings so high?
With rent prices rising, splitting costs has become one of the easiest ways to cut monthly expenses.
The study shows that sharing rent can significantly reduce housing costs, especially in cities where prices have climbed in recent years.
How does Georgia compare to the rest of the country?
Here’s the top 10 cities in the US for saving with a roomate:
- Cleveland, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jersey City, NJ
- Memphis, TN
- Boise, ID
- Augusta, GA
- New Haven, CT
- Chattanooga, TN
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Shreveport, LA
Methodology
The study analyzed 100 U.S. cities using rental data from March 2025 to March 2026 from Zumper, comparing one-bedroom rents to half the cost of two-bedroom apartments to estimate savings from sharing with a roommate.
For more information, visit smartasset.com/data-studies/roommate-savings-2026.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Families had the chance to sharpen their money skills at a financial literacy event hosted by local nonprofit Crown Her Mentoring at the Bernie Ward Community Center.
The free event offered resources for all ages, from kids learning the basics to adults planning for their financial future.
Attendees could sit in sessions about budgeting, credit, opening banking accounts and insurance options.
Organizers said the event was designed to make financial education accessible during Financial Literacy Month.
“People need to understand the importance of a checking account, a savings account—how to manage your money. How to invest your money. People need to learn about life insurance,” said Torrecka Davis, organizer.
Crown Her Mentoring will host a mental health awareness event on May 23. Open enrollment for new mentees will begin on May 10.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Shoppers in Augusta will soon lose a longtime retail option, as Lane Bryant’s store inside Augusta Mall is set to close for good this weekend.
Employees at Lane Bryant inside Augusta Mall confirmed that the store will permanently close starting Sunday, April 19.
After the closure, the nearest Lane Bryant location for customers will be in Lexington.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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