Same idea, new plans for old Regency Mall property in South Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – We’re recent off bulletins for brand spanking new plans to redevelop the outdated Regency Mall in South Augusta.

The plans embrace new housing, a grocery retailer, and eating places. However when you’ve lived right here for the final twenty years, you may really feel such as you’ve heard this all earlier than.

We’ve heard of massive concepts to return, however nonetheless, the property stands. Right here’s what may very well be totally different this time.

It’s been a giant empty reminder of the nice outdated days.

“I keep in mind going into the mall as a child,” mentioned Nathan Vick, architect, Booker and Associates.

For many years, rusting and ready.

“They simply mentioned, we have now this current constructing. How can we use this current constructing? We began creating ideas,’ he mentioned.

Native architect agency, Booker and Associates, began engaged on the plan eight months in the past after the regency homeowners approached them. Collectively they got here up with a plan.

“You’re north of $100 million with out even blinking. $150 million, $175 million, to maintain the entire challenge throughout the road,” mentioned Vick.

It’s a story a lot of Augusta has heard earlier than. Plan, after plan, after plan.

We regarded again at our protection since 2000. The concepts for what might develop into of Regency had been limitless.

First, a mixed-use growth like the brand new one. In 2008, a baseball stadium. 2010, Rocky Creek Park. 2014, utilizing SPLOST {dollars} so town should purchase it. 2015, a water park. 2016, tech innovation heart. 2016, film studios. 2017, a cyber hall or the brand new James Brown Enviornment. 2018, James Brown Museum. 2018, a film set. The record goes on and on.

However challenge leaders say this plan is totally different as a result of it might occur. All they want is approval.

If it does, the times of ready for change at Regency may very well be over. The architect estimates the plan would take two years to finish after building begins.

The thought to show the mall right into a mixed-use growth was shaped by Regency’s homeowners, Cardinal Administration Group, out of New York. We did give them a name and left a message. We haven’t obtained a response.

“I believe making a neighborhood there’ll work,” he mentioned.

Copyright 2022 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.