Several members of the community grabbed a shovel in the groundbreaking ceremony. (Photo by Josh Heath)
Augusta native Oscar A. Jessie wants to bring greater economic growth to South Augusta. That’s why Jessie, a real estate developer and owner of GreenSpace Communities LLC, has made a nearly $5 million investment in the planned construction of a 7.8 acre, 44-unit townhome development called Orchard Landing at 3699 Peach Orchard Road.
“We’re looking forward to moving forward from this point,” he says. Jessie plans to move quickly and hopes to have the first 12 homes ready by this fall.
He held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 28, and several members of the community, including local business leaders, mortgage brokers, and Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. attended the event to show their support for the project. “Today is an incredible day for us,” says Davis. “Today we celebrate GreenSpace Communities LLC and the work that will be done in the city of Augusta.” He says this development will provide an affordable luxury housing option for those relocating from other cities to the Augusta area. The homes will range in price from $169,000 to $175,000.
But Jessie says that’s only one of the ways Orchard Landing will boost the local economy. The project “will definitely help surrounding businesses,” such as the gas station across the street, by bringing more customers to those businesses. The project will also help to bring new businesses to the area, according to John Hales, owner of Mr. Electric of Augusta, which will be responsible for installing and maintaining the new development’s electrical systems. “It’s giving back to South Augusta, and South Augusta needs it,” Hales explains. “It’s a catalyst for growth.”
Of course, the new development will also help to alleviate the shortage of homes for sale in the local real estate market, according to Aaron Blackmon, mortgage banker for the Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group in Augusta. “One of the biggest hurdles in the real estate industry is inventory,” says Blackmon. “We have three times as many people wanting to buy houses as there are homes for sale.”
