Lankford Corner becoming reality for Historic Downtown Cedartown

Event center will feature indoor, outdoor amenities as well as seating for 300+

The City of Cedartown was selected to receive a $750,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The grant money will be used to construct Lankford Corner at The Silver Comet – a thoughtfully designed, large-capacity indoor and outdoor event venue.

The building will be located on land that was donated by the late Jim and Jean Lankford, lifelong community champions and supporters of Downtown Cedartown. The land is situated across from the Cedartown Depot on South Main Street and runs parallel to The Silver Comet Trail.

“Lankford Corner at The Silver Comet is the centerpiece of the City of Cedartown’s effort to revitalize the southern section of Downtown Cedartown,” explained City Manager Edward Guzman. “This project will usher in a new era of daily activity for the southside of our city.”

Lankford Corner will foster economic growth through the generation of income, encouragement of downtown occupancy and will increase walkability in the downtown corridor. The facility will bridge the gap between the City’s downtown district and the scenic and well-traveled Silver Comet Trail. Lankford Corner will also serve as the home of the future Cedartown Farmer’s Market.

Programming for the event center will include moving existing events and festivals to the campus, allowing these already established events to grow. Business development classes and workshops will be held at the facility, as well as corporate gatherings, civic meetings and the venue will serve as a staging area for national and statewide athletic events that promote use of the Silver Comet Trail.

With the capability of housing 300+ guests, Lankford Corner will boast large roll-up doors, creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. The facility itself will carry a large footprint, however the entire Lankford Corner concept will encompass the entire 1-acre downtown location. A catering kitchen, reception area and restrooms are part of the overall design. Food truck parking, public parking and intentional and inviting rest areas are features of the outdoor area.

“I am thrilled that the City of Cedartown will be able to use this grant money for such a great project that will positively impact not only our downtown, but provide a space for the entire community to come together for special events,” said Cedartown City Commission Chair Andrew Carter.

“This project will completely transform a blighted, vacant parcel in the heart of downtown, and at the same time will leverage two of the community’s greatest local assets – Historic Downtown Cedartown and The Silver Comet Trail.”

Design aspects are being led by Rome-based CEVIAN Design Lab. The anticipated completion date is late 2024.

“It was definitely a 100-percent team effort on this grant, from the early beginnings to approval,” Guzman said. “I would like to thank City staff, the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and Governor Brian Kemp. We’re excited to see what this project has in store for our community.”