Georgia
Georgia mayor hopeful floats plan to rework long-closed mall
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — A candidate in a runoff for mayor of Georgia’s third-largest metropolis is saying a plan to redevelop a website the place a long-vacant mall stood till 2020.
Steven Kendrick of Augusta made the announcement final week, with a number of Augusta commissioners.
The redevelopment plan for the Regency Mall’s website would come with 1,000 two-bedroom residences, a Ok-12 faculty, a 300-seat performing arts middle, a restaurant, a grocery retailer and a health middle, information shops report.
“The expansion and revitalization of South Augusta is simply starting,” Kendrick advised native information shops as he unveiled plans for what could be referred to as Cardinal City Sq..
Kendrick, the previous Richmond County tax commissioner, is in a June 21 runoff with Garnett Johnson for mayor of the consolidated city-county. The third-place finisher endorsed Johnson final week. Kendrick and Johnson every acquired about 39% of the vote on Could 24.
An architect who helped draw plans advised WRDW-TV the redevelopment would value $100 million to $175 million.
What was as soon as a significant retail draw sat vacant for practically twenty years earlier than demolition started in 2020. Neighboring enterprise homeowners say they’ve seen the realm decline through the interval. Many of the Augusta space’s suburban progress has occurred in Columbia County through the interval.
Many concepts have been floated to reuse the land, however Kendrick stated this one is backed by the property homeowners.
“I notice there could also be skepticism, however this chance is completely different and the precise plans have been submitted to Augusta planning and improvement for approval of this transformational venture from work accomplished from native architects and engineers,” he stated.
For now, Kendrick stated personal cash can pay for the redevelopment. However Kendrick can also be chair of the Augusta Financial Growth Authority. He stated the authority has not been requested about bonds to finance the venture.