There's no good reason to end a partnership that has helped produce $200 million worth of economic development in the downtown area and along the river, say officials from Augusta Tomorrow and LDR International Inc.
So representatives from both groups used a news conference Friday afternoon to announce their partnership, which produced Riverwalk Augusta and Fort Discovery, would continue for the foreseeable future.
Julian Osbon, president of Augusta Tomorrow, said LDR's consultation and expertise in developing master plans for the center city area has been a tremendous asset.
``We feel like they represent what we need in Augusta,'' Mr. Osbon said. ``They've accomplished what we want to accomplish.''
LDR, based in Maryland, will now develop an updated master plan for Augusta Tomorrow, one that focuses on the Augusta Commons project and ways to bring more retail shops and restaurants to the riverwalk.
Augusta Tomorrow is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding and renewing Augusta for residents and tourists alike.
The group, which relies mostly on private donations and fund-raising drives, is credited with developing such projects as the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, Springfield Village Park and Augusta Museum of History.
The group hopes to begin work on the Augusta Commons project by the end of the year. The endeavor would create a grassy gathering area in the heart of downtown, something many say Augusta sorely needs.
``Broad Street is the lifeline, the heart and soul of the city center,'' said Don Hilderbrandt, a community planner with LDR International. ``With the commons there'll be a focal point. You've always had a beginning and an end, but you never had a `there' there. Now you will.''
This new greenspace would connect the riverwalk to Broad Street by demolishing the former health department building and several smaller structures, Mr. Osbon said.
``We're very interested in the social impact of it, but we're primarily interested in the economic impact of (the Augusta Commons project),'' he said.
Mr. Osbon said private developers would add retail space and upscale apartments around the new park and festival area.
Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.
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