Beautification Edition - 1736 Magazine, Summer 2019

OUR VIEW
APPEARANCES ARE
EVERYTHING
A more vibrant downtown awaits — but only if we act
By DAMON CLINE
Lead, follow or get out of the
way.
The oft-used phrase – an
adaptation of a quote from
Gen. George S. Patton – is an
admonishment to the inactive, the indeterminate
and the indolent. The type of person
Patton might have called a “speed bump” on
the road to progress, a feckless malcontent
who only serves to “gum up the works” of
the machine.
Patton’s declaration, of course, was made
in the context of liberating Europe during
World War II. The brash, four-star general
couldn’t possibly fathom that, decades
later, his full-speed-ahead doctrine could
be germane to the ongoing struggle to liberate
American cities from abandonment and
decay.”Urban revitalization” wasn’t even
part of the nation’s lexicon. For most of
the 20th century, downtowns were robust,
stable and strong. Cities large and small
could grow and prosper with just a modicum
of leadership and industry. Urban cores
were juggernauts with engines too big and
powerful to stop — no one needed to be told
to “get out of the way.” But that era is over.
The postwar suburbanization boom
proved to be a powerful force in American
life, hollowing out urban cores from coast
to coast during the 1960s and ’70s. Augusta
was not immune.
Now, new generations of Americans are
beginning to “rediscover” downtowns.
They seek out entertainment, culture, history,
architecture and an experience absent
in the suburbs and countryside. Some enjoy
the atmosphere so much they are choosing
to make the urban core their home,
giving rise to the “live-work-play” mantra
espoused by city planners nationwide.
The phenomenon is happening in downtown
Augusta, too. The juggernaut’s engine
is running once again, but not yet firing
on all cylinders. It needs a tune-up and
fuel – lots of fuel – to make it roar like it did
generations ago.
Where are the mechanics?
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Do you think downtown Augusta makes a
good first impression?
“No. And, it is important to remember
that our ‘brand’ for what is happening in
the downtown area leaves people a little
confused that are visiting the first time
after hearing about the growth. They
are expecting things to be a little more
polished.” — Sue Parr, president, Augusta
Metro Chamber of Commerce
“No. (There are) upwards of 40 empty
storefronts from on Broad Street from Fifth
to 13th streets. Dress up the empty storefronts.”
– David Penix, broker, David C Penix
& Associates
What is needed to make downtown more
attractive and appealing?
“Cleanliness, safety, good lighting, an additional
parking deck. As rents increase, more
rehabs/developments will occur helping the
vacant space issues. The (Georgia Cyber
Center) buildings are having a good impact
and will improve as they get populated.” –
Clay Boardman, CEO, Flywheel LLC
“Take pride in and take care of what we
already have: Trim trees, rake up leaves,
eradicate weeds growing in sidewalks.
Keep the fountains clean and working.
Make sure trash is picked up. This falls on
the city as well as downtown merchants
and residents.” – Derek May, president,
Azalea Investments LLC
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