Downtown Augusta shops adjust as development projects reshape city center

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Downtown Augusta businesses are working through ongoing construction as the city center continues to take shape.

Andi Klinginsmith, general manager of Sosal, said the work has required extra effort to keep customers informed.

“When they’re doing construction directly in front of your building and the sidewalks open, but the road is closed, it’s about letting people know that, hey, we are still open,” Klinginsmith said. “There is still room to get by. Flagging them in and coming down to see us so they know that we’re still in business, still rocking and rolling.”

Evan Grantski, owner of Grantski Records, said his business plans to use social media and email to communicate with customers if access becomes more difficult.

“If it gets worse, we’ll just reach out to our people on social media and let them know or send them an email,” Grantski said. “But I’m sure they’ll be able to get to us and everything will be okay.”

Business growth trending up

Margaret Woodard, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority, said business growth is moving in a positive direction.

“Last year I believe it was around 45 net businesses opened up on the Broad Street quarter and as of today we’ve got 15,” Woodard said. “So we are pacing in the right direction.”

The Downtown Development Authority said new development projects are designed to bring more foot traffic into downtown. Woodard said the James Brown Linear Park will be part of that effort.

“There are some amenities in the streetscape projects such as the James Brown Linear Park that’s gonna attract visitors and residents downtown, where there’s actually an interactive park and things to do,” Woodard said.

Klinginsmith said the return of the arena will also draw people to the area.

“I think we need a place that everybody can come together and celebrate and be excited and the arena coming back will be a big part for that,” Klinginsmith said. “It’s gonna bring people into the city as well who aren’t from here. People who don’t normally come downtown will come more this way because of that.”

Grantski said he hopes the improvements will bring more activity to downtown.

“Life downtown, people walking the sidewalks and shopping and eating and drinking and bringing families,” Grantski said.