|
 |
| |
Latest News |
<return |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MidTown in Motion
E-NEWSLETTER
November/December 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear MidTown Stakeholder,
|
|
I was born and raised in MidTown Columbus. Many members of my family still live in MidTown. I have witnessed this area in its "heyday", as it took a downward trend, and, now thankfully, as it is beginning to be revitalized into a vibrant in-town community.
Bussey Development, an off-shoot of Larry Bussey's LB, Inc. comprised of Larry, Andy Bussey and myself, has four renovation projects in the MidTown area. Several years ago I purchased a fixer-upper in the East Highland area of MidTown, several blocks off Lakebottom Park. After a good deal of "sweat equity", the house was sold for a nice return spurring Bussey Development's desire to invest to a greater degree in this in-town neighborhood.
Our most recent venture (Midtown Twenty-First Condominium) is nearing completion at the intersection of 14th Avenue and 21st Street in the East Highland area of MidTown. Given the proximity of the regional medical center on the one end and Lakebottom Park on the other, East Highland is quickly becomig a desirable area for young professionals, empty nesters and the BRAC military officers coming to Columbus. This project will include 9 freestanding single family homes built in the 1920s that we have completely renovated and converted into individual condominium units. Each unit has hardwood floors, custom kitchens, fireplaces, access to a large shared common area and many other amenities. The houses range in size from 1050 to 1400 square feet.
We will be developing other projects in the East Highland area including renovation of several houses off the intersection of 17th Steet and 11th Avenue, and a 30-unit gated luxury condominum in the old Martin Foods building at 1400 - 17th Street. We also are currently engaged in a large home renovation on Springfield Drive in MidTown.
Our investment here illustrates our belief that the MidTown residential market is on an upward trend. We hope you will stop by Midtown Twenty-First Condominium, and appreciate the great things to come for this wonderful in-town neighborhood.
Yours truly,
Shaun Benefield Bussey
Bussey Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A significant East Highlands revitalization project has been unveiled by Bussey Development.
East Highlands is a historic residential neighborhood located to the south of Talbotton Road in MidTown's northwest corner with houses reflecting popular architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Craftsman. Developed as a working class neighborhood during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries with a range of modest to moderately sized houses, East Highlands once extended east of Wildwood Park to Wynnton Road. A streetcar line carrying passengers from Wildwood Park (Weracoba Park) began in 1887 and promoted the area's development. After struggling with decline for many years, East Highland is becoming the hot, new place for young professionals, newlyweds and military officers.
Reminiscent of the charming early 1900's tree-lined communities that comprised much of MidTown Columbus, Midtown Twenty-First offers custom quality in-town living starting from $139,000. The six units currently for sale are 2 and 3 bedroom units with all homes having 2 full baths. The homes have the original woodsiding and the craftsman-style accents, maintaining their architectural character and integrity.
Each home features all new HVAC, electrical and plumbing; 100 year old maple or oak flooring salvaged from the old Meritas Mill; custom kitchen cabinets with marble tiled counter tops; ceiling fans, fireplaces; front yard sprinkler systems, picket fences; large fenced backyard common area; and newly planted red maple trees. Listing agent, Reynolds Bickerstaff, invites you to visit www.midtown21st.com to view photos of the interior of the homes and to learn more about these properties.
Midtown Twenty-First is conveniently located within a 10 minute walk to Lakebottom Park and within a 10 minute bike ride to the RiverWalk in downtown Columbus. In fact, a two mile radius around Midtown Twenty-First includes Columbus Regional Medical Center, TSYS, Aflac, Columbus Country Club, new downtown YMCA, MidTown historic districts, Springer Opera House, Village on 13th, Wynnton Retail Corridor, Columbus Public Library, Cross Country Plaza, 14 public elementary, middle and high schools and over 30 churches.
Even if you are not in the market for a new home, drive by this exciting project and witness the beginning of the East Highlands renaissance.
|
|
Steve & Barry's Comes to Cross Country Plaza
|
|
Steve & Barry's the casual apparel retailer is opening its first Columbus location in Cross Country Plaza on Macon Road. The 44,000 square foot store, located in the former Service Merchandise retail space, is scheduled to open by late November. Its Cross Country location represents the 6th Steve & Barry's in Georgia, and is part of an aggressive growth plan that has seen the chain double in size almost every year of the past decade. There are approximately 219 Steve & Barry's nationwide in 34 states, including Georgia stores in Brunswick, Savannah and Athens. Steve & Barry's has received the "Hot Retailer Award" given annually to retailers that are the best at generating buzz and bringing more shoppers to the centers they occupy. In the past year, Steve & Barry's has introduced four of the most high-profile and industry changing product lines in all of retail, including BITTEN by actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker, the star's first-ever apparel line.
In addition to BITTEN, Steve & Barry's offers the largest selection of men's, women's and kid's apparel, including jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, polos, cargos, footwear, accessories, and much more at extraordinarily low prices for the outstanding quality. Each store carries the nation's largest selection of officially licensed collegiate wear. Nearly 350 colleges and universities are represented at Steve & Barry's stores, including regional institutions such as University of Georgia, University of Alabama, Georgia Tech, Columbus State University and Tuskegee.
Leo Wiener, Glenwood Development Company's (owner of Cross Country Plaza) principal, says this is only the beginning of their plans for the shopping center. Soon to come is City Gear, the trendy fashion store for young adults and students. Glenwood also expects to demolish the former Pier One building making room for its redevelopment. Glenwood expects to announce additional tenant plans in the near future. To see local news coverage of this new Steve & Barry's location click HERE.
|
|
TAD Referendum Failure - Sliver Lining?
|
|
The local referendum to allow Columbus the power to issue redevelopment bonds for the purpose of rebuilding its failing in-town infrastructure was narrowly defeated -- 51% to 49% -- on November 6th. A modest 253 votes made the difference. Many of you have sent in notes expressing your concern over the failed opportunity. This disappointment by no means stops our renewal process. At MidTown, Inc. we are firmly on the 25 year redevelopment plan set forth in the MidTown Project; and, as you can see from this newsletter, we are making great strides in those efforts.
Though the referendum was lost, the voting results give us encouragement:
- Every MidTown precinct voted in favor of the revitalization tool by significant margins.
- The Wynnton precinct supported the initative by 67.6%, while St. Paul/Columbus High (62.7%), Clubview (59.29%), Hardaway (65.8%), Mack/Rigdon (64.9%), Spencer (62.14%), Carver (52.43%), and Britt at Wynnton (60.93%) also strongly voiced their desire to improve our in-town community.
- Nearly all Columbus South precincts voted to use innovative investment strategies to rebuild and revitalize.
- Three North Columbus precincts -- Wynbrook/Green Island (60.28%), Midland (58.67%), and St. Andrews Presbyterian/Maple Ridge (55.17%) -- each facing overdevelopment, saw the need to spread growth opportunites beyond the North Columbus and panhandle area.
We can say for certain that our renewal message is reaching those in our MidTown area and in the South Columbus region. We also can say that the connection between the need to revitalize in-town Columbus and the need to relieve the overdevelopment of North Columbus is recognized by many.
We thank you for your support of this important effort, and look forward to catching the next investment and renewal opporunity.
|
|
MidTown, Inc. Welcomes New Board Member
|
The MidTown, Inc. board welcomes its newest member Judith "Judy" Tucker. Judy is a resident of East Highlands, where she lives in a beautifully renovated and appointed home. Judy attended Spelman College in Atlanta, and graduated from Columbus College. She spent 30 years at Synovus Corporation in various capacities, including Bankcard Credit Officer (where she managed Officer's Club membership card accounts throughout the U.S. Military community), Bankcard Marketing officer, and Vice President and ATM Product Development Officer. Judy is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus; she serves on the Neighborworks Board, and is President Pro-tem of the Trustee Board at St. James AME Church. Judy has one son and one grandson. "I look forward to being a part of the energy of MidTown, Inc., and helping to spread that energy to East Highland and throughout MidTown Columbus". We certainly look forward to having Judy and her talents join in our efforts. To learn more about the MidTown, Inc. board click HERE.
|
|
I-185 Is Declared A Scenic Byway
|
|
Last month Georgia Department of Tranportation (GDOT) Board Member (and MidTown, Inc. board member) Sam Wellborn joined GDOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkhol, State Representatives Richard Smith and Vance Smith, Mayor Jim Wetherington, Gateways Founder John Flournoy, Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission Executive Director Gloria Westin-Smart and many others in celebrating the designation of 39 miles of I-185 as a Georgia Scenic Byway. (Photo below: John Flournoy, Rep. Richard Smith, Com. Harold Linnenkhol, Sam Wellborn).
A scenic byway is a designated public road that is intended to be enjoyed by travelers and is recognized for showing intrinsic qualities that are significant to the locality, such as scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological and recreational resources. Scenic roadways provide an opportunity for citizens to preserve significant qualities of a roadway while also providing opportunities for enhancing tourism and economic development along the route. They also bring together local citizens, organizations and businesses for the purpose of protecting significant roadways and associated land uses. GDOT Board Member, Sam Wellborn stated that "This is a very important event for our entire region, not only will this designation preserve an already prestigious corridor but it will forever prevent billboards and will increase tourism."
The I-185 Scenic Byway provides travelers with a view of undulating mixed pine forest terrain as well as numerous opportunities for exploration of the local region beyond the limits of the interstate system. The purpose of the designation of the I-185 Scenic Byway is to protect the existing scenic qualities of the route, as well as to provide information about the rich cultural and natural attractions in the vicinity of I-185.
(Photo: Mayor Jim Wetherington with new I-185 Scenic Bylaw Sign).
|
|
Holiday Tour of Homes - Mistletoe in MidTown
|
|
This year Historic Columbus Foundation (HCF) and the MidTown Merchants Association are teaming up to present a very special event: The Holiday Tour of Homes - Mistletoe in MidTown. On Sunday December 9th, noon to 6:00 p.m., nine lovely historic homes will be on the tour this year. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at that door. Each ticket comes with a MidTown Holiday Passport entitling the holder to special week long discounts at participating MidTown Merchants, including Ann's Porch, Front Porch, Hinson Galleries, Meritage, Two Sisters Gallery, The Butler's Pantry, Gloria Mani Gallery, Lewis Jones Flowers and Gifts, Columbus Museum Gift Shop and Two Timers. Holders of the Passport who visit 5 or more participating Merchants and enter the drawing will be elligible to win $1000 in MidTown Merchants gift certificates.
On the day of the Tour, both Meritage and the Butler's Pantry will be serving a special champagne brunch starting at 11:00.
You may purchase Tour tickets (with the Holiday Passport) at Rankin House, Butler's Pantry, Sample Shop, Schomburg's, Galleria Riverside, Ann's Porch, SunTrust, Lewis Jones Flowers and Gifts. To learn more about the Tour please visit the HCF Website.
|
|
Year End Giving - Remember MidTown, Inc.
|
|
Because of you MidTown, Inc. is making a difference 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, MidTown, Inc.and its stakeholders are improving this community and thereby improving Columbus.
Positive change happens through concerted effort and that concerted effort must be funded. As the year draws to an end, many of you will be making charitable contributions. We would like to remind you that contributions made to MidTown, Inc. are tax deductible. MidTown, Inc. is a non-profit tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission states: In support of community, conservation and diversity, MidTown, Inc., through education and advocacy, works to sustain and enhance the neighborhoods and businesses within MidTown Columbus. Please join us in the pursuit of this mission and in the renewal of our in-town community.
You may send your donation to MidTown, Inc. 1236 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31906. To access our on-line giving page click Invest in MidTown. We appreciate your interest in MidTown.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MidTown, Inc. | 1236 Wildwood Avenue | Columbus | GA | 31906
|
|
|
|
|
|