Downtown Augusta businesses remain hopeful despite ongoing construction

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s fair to say that Augusta saw a busy St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

Road work was a major factor that impacted some plans. These projects will still be going on as golf lovers head to Augusta.

At almost every corner in downtown Augusta, there are signs of progress and growth, and behind it all is a local shop or two.

“We’re still here. That’s right. You got it. We’ll just hope for the best,” said Luanna Hildebrant, owner of Hildebrant’s.

Hildebrant’s sits on 6th Street and has for decades.

“The construction has hindered us, but I think it’s going to be better once it’s done,” said Hildebrant.

A couple of streets over is Cafe on 8th, which opened in April 2023.

“It was definitely a slow start and with that going on, it didn’t help anything. There is a patrolman sitting right in front of the restaurant and that kind of throws people off, especially with this road being closed,” said manager Jerome Kenly.

13th Street, 5th Street, 6th Street and Greene Street are set to be completed in 2025, Telfair Street in 2026 and Broad Street in 2027.

“We get the most success from our customers and clients. They’re putting it up on our reviews and stuff like that. They’re saying don’t let it discourage you just come on down,” said Kenly.

These projects are not small and take time to complete, but businesses are looking ahead at what’s to come.

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