Author: Barclay Bishop
Publisher: WJBF - TV, Augusta
07/26/2007
Website: http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2007-07-26-0007.html
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (July 26, 2007) - The City of North Augusta is living up to its name. South Carolina's riverfront is getting a new look.
Skip Grkovic, Director, North Augusta Economic & Community Development, says "Ultimately, there'll be 800 units, anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 square feet of commercial space. Mostly neighborhoods, commercial, some civic uses, churches, parks, a great number of parks, that includes North Augusta's riverfront."
In the original layout of the city, building homes along the Savannah River wasn't possible, because there were no dams to control the flooding from the river. Now, the once industrial land is being transformed. Hammond's Ferry Development is building a whole neighborhood of homes right along the Savannah.
Charlie Walker, Sales Director, Hammond's Ferry, says "We're trying to project an image of community, not only do we want you to get to know your neighbor, we want you to know your neighbor's neighbor. We're trying to go back to a time where you could park your car in your neighborhood, and not have to rely on going anywhere outside of the neighborhood for the essentials and daily life."
When the development is complete, it will have homes, and a town center that'll feature restaurants, and retail stores. One North Augusta resident says he's been waiting awhile for this.
Ed Martin, North Augusta resident, says "I think it's a terrific idea, number one, and number two, it can't do anything but make the city a more attractive place to live."
But it's not just the riverfront that's getting a face lift. A new municipal building is also coming to downtown. So, with all this remodeling and construction, what do city officials think?
Grkovic: "As far as a return on investment, there's no question from a city standpoint. The return on investment is well worth it. Quality of life is definitely worth it."
And at least one North Augusta resident agrees.
Ava Ross, North Augusta resident: "I mean, it's a little inconvenience, but for it to get an end, it's worth it."
There are rumors that other businesses could be coming in, like a Cracker Barrel, or Bass Pro Shops, but city officials would not confirm or deny these rumors.
The total project is expected to be finished in the next 8 to 10 years.