Downtown Augusta Connector will create path to businesses

AUGUSTA, Ga. –
Soon, a downtown connector along James Brown Boulevard and Augusta Common will allow pedestrians easier to access local businesses nearby.

The City of Augusta received $225 million in grants from the state of Georgia. $1.7 million will go towards the walkway project.

Margaret Woodard Executive Director of Downtown Development Authority says the Jones Alley Connector has been in poor condition for some time.

The grant will help fix this issue all while allowing visitors another way to get in and out when they come to The Augusta Convention Center.

“It was an eye sore, so now you’re going to have a nice, new alley way or connection from James Brown Blvd. to the Common and an additional way for pedestrians to enter the common for events and festivals,” Woodard says.

The project involves demolishing two buildings and adding a green space with outside seating and additional lighting.

Last year, 47 new businesses opened on the Broad Street corridor. Woodard estimates nearly 20 businesses have opened so far for 2023.

Latasha Simmons, owner of The Vault Salon & Spa is glad to see the progress in the area she has worked in for years.

“It may not seem like it, but downtown is really growing up,” Simmons says.      

Woodard says the beautification project is just one of a few that have been done this year. Along with it, she says cracking down on blighted buildings in the area is also a priority.

“People, investors, downtown business, I think are more apt to invest in downtown when they see that the city is investing in the infrastructure,” Woodard says. “It sends a very clear message that the city is vested in downtown Augusta.”

The project is still in the drawing phase. Construction will begin in the next six months.

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