Columbia County announces new development at Evans Towne Center

News 12 at 11 / Feb. 23, 2016

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) --

A big plan to bring new business and more families to Columbia County kicks off today in the form of a downtown centerpiece called The Plaza at Evans Towne Center.

It will include shops, restaurants, office space and homes, and a cultural center to anchor it all.

"After much work and much design, I'd like to introduce the Plaza at Evans Towne Center," said Robbie Bennett with the Development Authority, as he unveiled the destination-to-be across the street from the Evans Towne Center Park.

After years in the making, Meybohm signed on to make the vision for a center a reality, in the heart of one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.

"A lot of developers just wanted small lots," said Chairman Ron Cross, "Two to three acres, or five, and we said, no, we dont want to do that because we need an overall master plan."

The mixed-use development will be on the sprawling piece of land across from the Lady Antebellum Amphitheater. The county says there could be some visible changes to this land soon, with ground broken in the next couple of months.

The Development Authority predicts $65 million generated in investments for all three phases, around 300,000 square feet of retail space in total.

"It will not only going to be a local draw, but we see it being a regional draw with some of the retailers we hope to get in there," said Bennett.

"We're looking for high end tenants," said Lionel Prather, Senior Vice President for Meybohm, "Talbots, men's stores, specialty shops, an Apple Store. I mean we're really going after this, we're really going to the top."

Designers took a look at some of the other mixed use developments in the state, seeing what already works for places like Avalon in Alpharetta.

County leaders say the project should be done within a few years, as retailers and investors roll in.

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- The Development Authority of Columbia County announces plans for The Plaza at Evans Towne Center.

County officials say The Plaza will serve as the new city center for Evans and will be located on Evans Town Center Blvd. The new development will include retail and office space, residential living and a cultural art center.

The Development Authority says Phase 1 of The Plaza will be 96,000 square feet, that includes 56,000 square feet of office space and nearly 40,000 square feet of retail space. Officials says the development will be phased in over the next several years and is expected to be a $65 million investment and nearly 300,000 square feet.

The Development Authority says it is working with Meybohm Group as its development partner for Phase 1. Meybohm is relocating its Columbia County headquarters to The Plaza, and the location will house over 100 employees.