In September 2004, this reporter attended a huge grand re-opening of the Cotton Exchange building when Georgia Bank & Trust opened a downtown Augusta branch. After South State bought GB&T in 2017, it remained a bank until closing within the last few years as Augusta’s Riverwalk lost its luster and some businesses.
Soon, Dr. Troy Akers and his wife, Nancy, will restore the historic Cotton Exchange building, after recently purchasing it. It’s reopening as corporate office space and an upscale event venue.
They’ll honor the building’s legacy, which was constructed in 1886 during the height of the cotton boom and became the center of cotton trading for the region.
The Akers have had success in business, opening the first Crumbl Bakery in Evans and selling it in the fall of 2022 to professional basketball player Tobias Harris.
See story HERE.
The Akers also own Dink’d Pickleball on Furys Ferry Road.
Dr. Akers says, “Augusta is home. We are part of Augusta’s history, and we feel called to preserve it. Our goal is to breathe new life and beauty into the historic structures of Downtown Augusta. What was once a thriving center for business, dining, shopping, and entertainment is poised to become a powerful hub of synergy, growth, innovation, and renewed energy.”
Thanks to Jordan Trotter Commercial Real Estate for the heads up. They handled the transaction and represented both the building owner and the Akers family.
