North Augusta will be rolling out the red carpet for visitors by converting the old carpet building next to the city’s Municipal Building into a Gateway Development.
Brett Brannon, President of Palmetto Peach Development Company, announced his plans to refurbish the former North Augusta Carpet & Wallpaper Shop, located at 210 Georgia Ave. at a news conference on Wednesday. The building is one of the first sights travelers from Augusta, via the 13th Street bridge, see of North Augusta.
He said the 12,000-square-foot building, originally a skating rink, will be converted into a mixed-use development that will include professional, retail, and restaurant spaces known as the North Augusta Gateway Development. It will also tie into North Augusta’s popular Greeneway trail.
“We’re about 90 days away from starting construction,” he said. “We have to submit our plans and get all the permits.” Brannon plans to complete this project by Masters Week 2023.
Brannon said he also plans to construct new buildings at 200 Georgia Ave., which will become part of the development project. Brannon plans to work on the mixed-use building first.
North Augusta Forward had owned it for several years, according to Director Avery Spears-Mahoney. North Augusta Forward develops and implements initiatives to improve the quality of life of North Augusta citizens. For example, the organization has been instrumental in the downtown revitalization project. Brannon currently serves as Chairman of North Augusta Forward.
“We’re extremely excited about this project,” Spears-Mahoney said. “We’ve been patiently waiting for the right developer.”
She said the building refurbishment is connected to another project: extending the Greeneway, a walking, and biking trail, into downtown Augusta.
“Obviously, we have a lot of users on the Greeneway,” Spears-Mahoney said. “We want them to come to downtown North Augusta and visit our local businesses.”
Briton Williams, North Augusta’s Mayor, said the development will have a major economic impact on the city by bringing more visitors and businesses to the area.
“This is a game-changer for North Augusta,” Williams said. “This has been our linchpin.”