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MidTown in Motion
E-NEWSLETTER
September 2007
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Dear MidTown Stakeholder,
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Jackson-Burgin, Inc. has owned property along 13th Street in MidTown for as long as I can remember. Over the years we have attracted some of the best merchants in the city. When I joined Jackson-Burgin in 2000, it was apparent that our ability to attract and retain top merchants would require our buildings, aging at the time, to represent their image more fully.
My point is best made when the highly regarded dining experience at Meritage was belied by the former exterior of the facility. Our vision was to represent our merchants' local flare and economic vitality through our buildings. (See renovated Meritage restaurant above; one of the many shops in Village on 13th). The redevelopment of Village on 13th is the realization of our renewed vision for MidTown.
Presently, we are incorporating the Lewis Jones shopping center across the street in our Village renewal plans by improving that streetscape and parking lot making for better pedestrian flow between the two Village shopping areas, and by updating the façade of those shops. These renovation efforts, spurred by the growth of the Lewis Jones Food Market, will complete the Village vision.
As a property owner and development company, Jackson-Burgin's reason to renovate these properties is economic. Merchants need a location that provides a sense of their style and reputation. If we create space pleasing to retail customers, merchants will consider that space a valuable location.
Another reason to commit to these renovations is our desire to support the area where we live. Four generations of the Jackson/Burgin family live in MidTown Columbus. We want to shop in inviting places with stores that meet our needs near home. This way we can make quick stops, see friends and neighbors as we shop or eat, and generally feel connected to a community. MidTown represents this for us - and it does so more everyday.
With MidTown, Inc. leading the revitalized vision for this area, including its coordination of the MidTown Merchants Association, I am certain that The Village on 13th will become one of the most desirable shopping and dining experiences in Columbus. It is this collaboration to promote a community lifestyle that inspires me, keeps me here, and draws others to in-town living.
Thanks to all those who continue to support Jackson-Burgin's efforts to achieve an improved MidTown Columbus by frequenting the Village on 13th.
Sincerely,
Will Burgin
President
Jackson-Burgin, Inc.
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| Speakeasy Gets Facelift And More |
 The Speakeasy restaurant has been a MidTown Columbus fixture since 1976. Originally located on 18th Avenue in the space currently occupied by El Zapata, the Speakeasy has been located at its current location on Mercury Drive (between Country's Barbecue and Goo Goo Car Wash) since 1986. In August 2007, the Speakeasy completed extensive renovations to its interior and exterior. The crux of the renovation was to separate the family dining experience and Game Room from the new, nicely appointed Bar area in order to accommodate the broad interests and age groups frequenting the restaurant.
The new Bar area has a state of the art filtration system with separate air conditioning and air systems, and has been certified by the local Health Department to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all of its customers. Moving the Game Room to the Family Area of the restaurant allows parents to keep a better eye on their children while they enjoy a night out. Other changes were made to make service more efficient by increasing readily accessible storage. But no one can miss the terrific improvement to the streetscape exterior to the Speakeasy. The black asphalt that once splayed out in front of the restaurant has been replaced by trees, attractive potted shrubs and a nice lawn.
Owner Chris Losonkey states these changes were made to "improve the image of the restaurant and to compete with recent chain restaurants in other parts of Columbus". Mr. Losonkey points out that this investment signals the owners' "commitment to stay in MidTown Columbus" and continue serving the people who live and work in and who travel to the area. Though changes have been made, you can expect the same great Speakeasy menu (featuring the signature Camel Rider sandwich, which includes ham, salami, Swiss cheese, lettuce, mustard and Italian dressing on pita bread) and a welcoming local atmosphere.
The Speakeasy is open 7 days a week, Mon. - Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Grab a friend or co-worker, or load up the family mini-van, and support this MidTown restaurant. |
| Annual Update - Mark Your Calendar |
| Please join us for a community update on the accomplishments and projects of MidTown, Inc. Tuesday September 18, 2007, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Columbus Museum Theatre. Refreshments will follow the update program in the Galleria. All are welcome, so please bring a friend, co-worker or neighbor. We hope you will join us to hear of our exciting progress. |
| MidTown Receives Boost From Renowned Architect |
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The MidTown Columbus has just received a world-class boost. Renowned architect and real estate developer, David S. Froelich, AIA, has signed on to update and renovate the iconic Wynnton Building, on Wynnton Road, which comprises an essential part of the historic Wynnton Road corridor. As founder of Froelich Property Interests (FPI), Froelich plans to bring national retail and restaurant brands to the property, to help redevelop and revitalize the area.
"The Froelich project is the perfect compliment to the Wynnton Road Corridor Revitalization plan", said Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Executive Director of MidTown, Inc. An architect and developer of David's caliber brings an exciting catalyst to this area".
Froelich chose Columbus after researching several areas in the Southeast region, including Myrtle Beach. "Based on the city's diverse population and growth, as well as the overall feel and atmosphere of the area, we realized that Columbus would be the best location," said Froelich. Froelich also notes that the presence of the revitalization effort led by MidTown, Inc. was a factor in his choosing Columbus over the other communities he was considering: "An organized renewal effort facilitates good development and Columbus appeared to be on the ball in that regard".
Froelich plans to renovate The Wynnton Building include adding more retailers and restaurants to the space, as well as adding a public access linking Wynnton Road to the parking lot, through the buildings currently on-site. Froelich has already removed what many thought to be an unsightly billboard that loomed over the building. The Wynnton Building is located on 2.6 acres, with 45,000 square feet of retail and office space. (Right: Dave Froelich and his wife Joyce)
Froelich is an architect and real estate developer with more than 25 years of varied experience in design, project management and real estate development. He has worked for many years as the Director of Design at the Cordish Company, a large national development firm. He worked for a variety of other firms throughout his career, including: Skidmore Owings & Merrill, DMJM and Universal Studios. Froelich was the only architect to work on all three CityWalk projects for Universal, including the Universal Studios Japan theme park in Osaka. "We believe MidTown will benefit from the relationships and experience Dave has developed through the years in his other projects", says Tomlinson.
To read more about the redevelopment of the Wynnton Building click HERE.
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| Important Community Vote |
| November will be here before we know it, and on the first Tuesday of that month (November 6th) Columbus will have the opportunity to grant the Columbus Consolidated Government the power to issue Redevelopment Bonds. Numerous communities throughout Georgia already possess the authority to issue these bonds. Such redevelopment bonds could spur positive economic development in areas throughout Columbus such as Bibb City, Liberty District, South Columbus, MidTown and Rose Hill to name a few.
Redevelopment Bonds are issued for certain designated areas in which improvements, usually related to infrastructure problems like outdated sewer lines or environmental problems, are necessary in order to make a site an acceptable location for a development project. The local government issues bonds so that private investment dollars pay for the necessary improvements. The bonds are paid off with the tax revenues created by the development project. The districts for which redevelopment bonds are issued are called "tax allocation districts" (TADs) because the newly generated taxes from the development projects inside these districts pay the bonds off. Importantly, existing taxes are not increased, and the Muscogee County tax freeze on residential properties is not affected. In short, these bonds provide a way for private investment dollars to pay for public works and economic development initiatives.
A few basic concepts about Redevelopment Bond Initiatives (RBIs) or TADs:
- RBIs do not increase property, sales or other taxes. RBIs also create a way to fund public works without dipping into the existing general funds of the city.
- RBIs create investment revenue from the sale of municipal bonds. This revenue is used to pay for necessary infrastructure improvement, planning or other redevelopment project costs without which the redevelopment project would not go forward.
- This way bond investors fund public works that normally would have to be funded with our existing property or sales tax money.
- RBIs do NOT in anyway expand or effect Georgia's eminent domain law or Georgia's law limiting government condemnation powers.
- RBIs are used only in those areas where there are existing impediments to redevelopment, such as outdated or inadequate infrastructure to support a redevelopment project, a lack of innovative economic development, undeveloped vacant sites in an in-town setting, or resistance from financial institutions to participate in new development ideas.
- Several underdeveloped areas exist in Columbus, including the Liberty Heritage District, parts of Uptown Columbus, Bibb City, Rose Hill, Columbus South, the Rail Yards between 10th Avenue and Veterans Parkway, and MidTown Columbus. The redevelopment bond districts or TADs would be chosen by City Council after public input and informational forums.
Columbus State University is hosting TWO public forum discussions on this subject of RBIs/TADs this month. Those public forums will be held: Monday, September 24th, 6:00 p.m. at the Cunningham Center of CSU; and Friday, September 28th, noon at the Old Bradley Library. Please plan to attend these sessions to learn about this issue from the experts.
To learn more about the upcoming referendum and redevelopment powers (including a timeline of how typical redevelopment bonds are issued and paid off), click on this DIRECT LINK to our website. |
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Investing in MidTown Made Easy |
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Hopefully, you have been reading about the difference MidTown, Inc. is making in the renewal of MidTown Columbus. From working with the City of Columbus and neighborhood representatives to find a neighborhood friendly use for the Armory on Macon Road, which is expected to be deeded to Columbus State University for educational purposes, to organizing and bolstering MidTown Merchants, to attracting enthusiastic and talented developers like Dave Froelich to our area, MidTown, Inc. is making a difference. Positive change happens through concerted effort and that concerted effort must be funded. If you believe in the future of the geographic center of our city, if you understand that what is great about MidTown Columbus can be taken to a higher level of prosperity and a greater sense of community for all, then don't wait to support our efforts. Make a tax deductible contribution today. We have made it easy for you to show your support for this in-town community and our efforts. We accept donations made with any major credit card. And, please let us know in the Comment section of our donations webpage if your employer has a program to match your charitable contributions.
Support the organization that supports MidTown Columbus. Invest in MidTown's future by contributing to the efforts of MidTown, Inc. MidTown, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization. Contributions made to MidTown, Inc. are tax deductible. To access our on-line giving page click Invest in MidTown. We appreciate your interest in MidTown. |
| Smokin' Hot Properties In MidTown |
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| SunTrust Bank Announces "My Cause" Campaign |
Until October 12, 2007, SunTrust Bank will make a $100 contribution in your name to a tax-exempt charity of your choice (including MidTown, Inc.!). SunTrust's "My Cause" Campaign is available to anyone opening a checking account with SunTrust Bank, who gets a debit card with the account and makes a purchase with that debit card by November 15th. If you do not choose a charitable organization for the donation, a $50 gift card will be sent to you by SunTrust. (Your account must be in good standing on December 31, 2007, to be eligible for the "My Cause" Campaign). You may go to any SunTrust bank to participate in the Campaign, but, of course, we recommend visiting SunTrust's MidTown branch office on Auburn Avenue in the Cross Country on the Hill shopping center. Click on "My Cause" Campaign to learn more, or call SunTrust Bank at 866-266-2802.
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| Annoucements |
| MidTown, Inc. is pleased to make two exciting announcements regarding its fellow non-profit organization, Historic Columbus Foundation (HCF). First, HCF and the MidTown Merchants Association will be partnering in this year's Holiday Tour of Homes. This year's tour will feature historic MidTown properties and is expected to be called: Mistletoe in MidTown. HCF and the Merchants Association are collaborating on several exciting activities and events to make this year's tour the best ever. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 9th (noon - 6:00 p.m). More details will be announced in our coming newsletters. Forward this newsletter to your email lists and ask that they mark their calendars as well.
Our second exciting announcements stems from the role of HCF and the Georgia Trust in the genesis of the MidTown Project, which led to the revitalization efforts of MidTown, Inc. Years ago, in 2001, it was Georgia Trust President Greg Paxton who suggested to HCF and concerned MidTown Columbus citizens that proactive steps be taken to create a future vision for MidTown which would enhance the entire community by stabilizing and improving our neighborhoods, by bolstering our MidTown merchants and by attracting new development and retail opportunities. Each year Georgia Trust has watched our progress, and now has decided to bring its 2008 Annual Meeting to Columbus, featuring specifically for its Friday afternoon and evening events MidTown and the strides it has made toward community betterment. This is a genuine honor. A committee of HCF staff and board members and MidTown residents has been convened to plan the Friday April 4, 2008 festivities. Special thanks to committee members Elizabeth Barker, Betsy Covington, Wren Gilliam, Ashley Holt, Dexter Jordan, Debbie Lipscomb, Susan Lawhorne, Henry McCoy, Claudya Mueller, Margerie Newman, and Teresa Tomlinson.
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MidTown, Inc. | 1236 Wildwood Avenue | Columbus | GA | 31906
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