BAINBRIDGE, Ga. — The Main Street charm isn't going anywhere, but Bainbridge is quietly undergoing a downtown transformation.
In Bainbridge, there are about 12 different projects, all with the focus of repairing and restoring historic buildings into more functional spaces. But why are these projects all happening at once?
"It's the small incremental steps over the years that our mayor and council, our downtown development authority, that they have put in place those incentives.One huge thing being the rural tax credits," said Amanda Glover, Downtown Development Authority Director for Bainbridge.
Very soon people will be able to visit the brewpub inside the Flemming Building, which sits right next to The American.
There's not yet an opening date, but the framework for the bar is in place and there's furniture already inside.
"We want to be the economic hub of where people want to come and know that people can relax, have a good time," said Glover.
Just around the corner, on Broad Street, is the Callahan Building which was damaged during Hurricane Michael. With a new roof in place, the inside repairs are on a roll. When those are complete, commercial space and apartments will be available.
Down the street you'll find several more properties being restored and transformed in the same way, including 201 Broad Street.
"By the end of the year, we should have 10 new residential units added to the 30 we already have. With the Bon Air and Callahan Building, just among those, that's 17 apartments," said Glover. "They maintain a waiting list. It's a need that's going to be potentially filled by the end of the year."
Some projects may take longer than others, but the estimate is that in six months time, the community will be able to tell a difference within the square.
