A New Approach Jackson County Downtowns Get New Life Story and photos by Joshua T. Barnett As big-business and trends to locate nearer to major freeways inch closer to Jackson County, historic downtown business districts are forced to take a new approach to maintaining viable trading centers. “Downtowns are the lifeline of our communities,” said Hasco Craver, Commerce Mainstreet Program executive director. “Oftentimes, prospective homeowners, business owners and land owners will look to the city’s downtown core for a feel of the local community.” Jackson County’s nine incorporated municipalities also include several downtowns. The largest of these are Commerce and Jefferson, both of which are now home to programs that aim to attract businesses and individuals to these historically predominant centers for trade. Commerce has the Mainstreet Program and Jefferson is the locale of the Better Hometown Program, both of which fall under the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Jo Childers, the state-level manager for both of these programs, said that over 105 Georgia communities have taken initiative to restore their downtowns. “Many people like to go back to the original downtowns where things grew and prospered,” she said. “In the long run, it is proven that a good downtown improves the economy.” Revitalizing a downtown business district has many purposes, but the main intentions are to fill existing buildings with tenants and to attract consumers to these areas. “The ultimate purpose of redoing a downtown is to draw people in to eat, shop and visit,” said Beth Laughinghouse, Better Hometown Jefferson manager. In Commerce, Chris Bray has recently restored two commercial properties and one residential living space in the heart of the city’s downtown. Last March, Bray—who has owned a business in downtown Commerce for more than 20 years—was informed that the building beside her beauty parlor was for sale and she jumped at the opportunity to restore the circa-1895 building. Having grown up in Commerce, Bray says she wanted to renew the opportunity for people to sleep, eat and shop all in the same place, without having to make the trek to a shopping mall. “That’s what I want to restore in my town.” With an emphasis on preserving every imaginable historic aspect of the building, Bray and Richard “Pickle” Dills, general contractor, removed tons (literally) of wastes from the space, stripped over 100 years of paint from the walls, restored the original windows, and ensured that necessary changes fit into the overall character of the building. Restoring downtown buildings also fits into the “green lifestyle” many cities are beginning to appreciate. As compared to constructing new office spaces, retail stores or mills, utilizing preexisting structures is better for the environment. Because both downtown workers and residents live in areas where they can sleep, eat and shop, there is a lessened need for long drives, effectively reducing a downtown-dweller’s ecological footprint. Decreased car emissions are not the only positive “green” effect resulting from downtown revitalization. In fact, Craver says, “Fundamentally, when we reuse buildings we are recycling properties. At its base, downtown revitalization is recycling.” Childers agreed: “Revitalizing a downtown is the ultimate recycling,” she said. She cited examples in Commerce and Jefferson as both cities have turned former mills into their current civic centers, drawing more business to the area by providing an increasingly needed amenity. Absent the need for clear cutting, grading or the use of building materials harvested from another area, downtown revitalization is eco-friendly. In Jefferson, a new streetscape is in the works. The plans include widened sidewalks, redirecting some traffic, restoring stoplights and streetlights, and adding a fresh new array of flowers, shrubbery and trees to the downtown district—another way which downtowns can adhere to society’s desire to be more environmentally friendly. The first phase, which will consist primarily of reviewing the current infrastructure, is slated to begin in June. “This is the first phase of what we hope will be many,” said Laughinghouse. Laughinghouse also hopes that bringing in the new streetscape will encourage downtown vendors to take more pride in their buildings and restore them to their original grandeur. Angela McKinney recently opened an antique store in downtown Jefferson in the building that was previously occupied by Georgia Power. Although some modern architectural changes were required at the location of Hometown Treasures, McKinney maintained the historic feel of her property by keeping the original hardwood floors—which were covered by carpet—and painting her building in era colors. Both Commerce and Jefferson offer façade grants for downtown building owners to revitalize storefronts. Laughinghouse said that Jefferson offers $1,000 grants to any business owner interested in redoing a façade. In Commerce, seven local banks fund the façade grant program; an aspect Craver says, “reaffirms the community’s shared vision of downtown revitalization.” Another facet of downtown revitalization is attracting the types of businesses that will in turn attract consumers to the area—a challenge which, Craver says, all downtowns face. Restaurants and retail stores are near the top of the list. Because so many people work in downtown business districts, these types of firms are beneficial as suppliers of the needs of the workforce. Furthermore, they are a draw for outsiders. However, other types of firms are needed to ensure a downtown’s success. Service businesses—such as beauty/barber shops, portrait studios and pharmacies—round out the all-inclusive idea of a downtown district. Attractive parks and exciting events also help bring life back into downtowns. Both Commerce and Jefferson have used these approaches to bring people in. Commerce recently completed a $50,000 overhaul of Spencer Park, now a vibrant and green recreation center in the central business district. Jefferson has continuously been working to improve both the Pocket Park and Curry Creek Park, and Laughinghouse is chock full of ideas for future parks. As many familiar landscapes are changing in Jackson County, there is a strong impulse to maintain the historical aspects downtowns represent in a community. Jackson’s economic foundation lies within the delights of its downtown business districts, and these areas continue to be the reason many move to the county. With all their down-home charm, Hasco says, “the social and economic benefits of vibrant downtown areas are immeasurable.” Get Involved! Commerce Mainstreet Program Better Hometown Jefferson Georgia Department of Community Affairs
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