New Businesses, Expansions, Renovations Have Downtown Douglasville Booming

Submitted by City of Douglasville

Things have been pretty busy in downtown Douglasville in recent months.

With the expansion of the Irish Bred Pub, the relocation of the Burlap Rose, along with Reyn Paper Company, the renovation of the Old Pendley building now known as Station Loft Works, and the opening of Sweet Beignet, downtown Douglasville is booming with activities.

“I’m excited and extremely proud of the strides we’ve made in recent months,” said Downtown Development Director Patrice R. Williams. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with businesses that are looking to relocate to our downtown area and to expand. As staff, one of our priorities is to cultivate relationships with existing business owners and those individuals looking for space in our downtown area.”

The city recently striped Broad Street creating more than 100 parking spaces for businesses located in the downtown historic district.

“Having all those spaces, along with the conference center parking garage, is a plus to both the conference center and our downtown businesses,” said Williams. “Parking is conveniently located throughout the downtown area and is very easy to access making both our business owners and patrons very happy.”

In July, the Douglasville Main Street Program sponsored a downtown walking tour. Approximately 10 downtown businesses participated in the tour with more than 40 residents participating in the event.

“The point of the downtown tour was to meet the merchants and learn about the businesses in the downtown area, said DDA Chairman Larry Yockey. “But to see the reinvestment in the buildings and the excitement and pride that each merchant had about their business, left the participants feeling great about the direction our downtown is headed.”

Recently, the City hired April McKown as the new Main Street Manager. Her primary focus will be promoting the downtown area and managing downtown events.

“We are excited to bring April on board “With her background in working with other local governments, we are confident she will do a great job for downtown Douglasville,” said Williams.

Other businesses have moved or expanded. PO Solutions and Burlap Rose have both relocated in the downtown area. The Irish Bred Pub completed an expansion project in early March.

“We are working with a number of businesses looking to locate in our downtown area including a coffee shop. And I’m sure everyone has heard about Gabe’s expanding to downtown Douglasville,” Williams said.
It hasn’t been all good news with the recent fire. “To witness that building burn was devastating. But as staff, we will carry on our regular duties and continue to implement the city’s plans for downtown Douglasville,” said Williams.