Dahlonega Design Considerations | Summer 2020

D AH L ON EG A DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS SUMMER 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..................................................................... 9 Scope of Work.................................................................. 10 Downtown Parking Deck Planning and Designs............. 12

Smith House Lot........................................................ 14

Choice Avenue Lot.................................................. 22

University of North Georgia L05 and L22................. 28

Selected Redevelopment............................................... 33

Former Regions Bank............................................... 34

255 South Chestatee Street..................................... 38

OUR PARTNERS

THE CITY OF DAHLONEGA Shannon M. Ferguson, Executive Director, Dahlonega Main Street / Downtown Development Authority

The City of Dahlonega, the county seat of Lumpkin County, is in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, approximately 70 miles north of Atlanta. The year-round population of Dahlonega is approximately 7,000, with seasonal increases that go along with being home to a major state university.

Incorporated on December 21, 1833, Dahlonega was the site of the first significant gold rush in the United States. Between 1838 and 1861, a US Branch Mint produced the half eagle, quarter eagle, gold dollar, and three-dollar gold coins locally.

Today, tourists come to shop and dine in the historic downtown, learn about the city’s colorful history, try their hand at gold panning, and visit the area’s local wineries and downtown tasting rooms.

SPECIAL THANKS We extend our sincere thanks to property owners Freddie Welch, Freida Welch-Bafile, Dudley Owens, and Michael Lynch for their generous feedback and insight during the development of these designs.

We also thank Jerry Sullivan, the University of North Georgia’s Associate Vice President for Real Estate and Auxiliary, for his input on UNG properties downtown. The participation and vision of these property owners and stakeholders proved invaluable in the design process.

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THE GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION

CARL VINSON INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT

Stephanie Aylworth, Downtown Development Manager

Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate

Chris Higdon, Community Development Manager

T. Clark Stancil, Creative Design Specialist & Fellowship Coordinator

Created in 1933, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) is the only state organization that represents municipal governments in Georgia. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, nonprofit organization that provides legislative advocacy, educational, employee benefit, and technical consulting services to its members.

GMA’s purpose is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s communities and to provide leadership, tools, and services that assist local governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive.

Kaitlin Messich, Senior Designer

Allison Cape, Graphic Designer Karen DeVivo, Editor For more than 90 years, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people’s lives. From Georgia’s early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of over 10 million, the Institute of Government has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.

College of Environment + Design

THE GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION Perry Hiott, Director of Community Development & Financial Services Founded in 1999, the Georgia Cities Foundation is a nonprofit subsidiary of the Georgia Municipal Association. The foundation’s mission is to assist cities in their efforts to revitalize and enhance downtown areas by serving as a partner in funding capital projects through revolving loan fund. Its services include the Revolving Loan Fund Program, the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Tour, Downtown Development Authority Basic Training, and the Renaissance Award.

THE COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT + DESIGN Andie Culbertson, Downtown Renaissance Fellow The University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design (CED) has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation for both undergraduate- and graduate-level landscape architecture. Students are challenged to explore their unique, individual interest and creatively problem-solve contemporary issues, working with faculty to solve community issues in design charrettes. They also interact with clients, community organizations, and planning agencies.

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THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE FELLOWSHIP

A

component of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership, the Georgia

Downtown Renaissance Fellowship pairs emerging design professionals from the UGA College of Environment and Design with local governments to enhance downtown development in communities across Georgia.

Following a competitive selection process, graduate-level student fellows are selected for their design and communication skills as well as overall commitment to community design.

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Over the course of the 12-week program, Renaissance Fellows work directly with their partner city, | RENAISSANCE FELLOW ANDIE CULBERTSON

producing renderings and plans collaboratively in a studio environment at the Institute of Government.

Fellows hone their designs and planning expertise under the direction of four full-time design faculty and staff members. With backgrounds ranging from historic preservation and landscape architecture to graphic design, these experts help guide the creation of professional-level plans and renderings produced by student fellows over the course of the program.

Andie Culbertson, a graduate

Since 2013, the Georgia Downtown

student studying landscape architec-

Renaissance Fellows have assisted 20

ture at UGA’s College of Environment

communities across the state. With the

and

assistance of the Georgia Municipal

with Shannon Ferguson and the

Association and the Georgia Cities

Dahlonega Downtown Development

Foundation, the City of Dahlonega

Authority (DDA) to address specific

was selected as one of two commu-

design opportunities in Dahlonega.

nities to take part in the 2020 Georgia

Culbertson incorporated local prior-

Downtown Renaissance Fellowship.

ities to create design solutions and

Partner cities are selected based on

develop a vision for several key loca-

the criteria of strong local leadership,

tions downtown.

Design,

worked

directly

community commitment, and fiscal readiness to act on projects.

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8

The Hall House

INTRODUCTION Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the community of Dahlonega is home to about 7,000 citizens, including permanent residents and a growing student population. Home to the University of North Georgia‘s Dahlonega campus and a thriving downtown area, Dahlonega draws many thousands of visitors annually.

The Dahlonega Gold Museum, located in the center of the public square, is the oldest unaltered courthouse in Georgia and marks the first gold rush in the United States. Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, this site remains a popular tourist destination and ranks among Georgia’s most visited historic sites.

Although the gold mines and museum continue to serve as major tourist attractions, the winery and wedding industries have grown to become a major part of Dahlonega’s tourism economy. With a rich history and beautiful backdrop, Dahlonega offers residents a charming place to call home and visitors an inviting destination. From perusing the vibrant shops and restaurants in the historic downtown area to exploring the great outdoors, this community offers a variety of attractions for tourists and full-time residents alike.

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SCOPE

OF WORK

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PARKING DECK PLANNING AND INFILL DESIGN SMITH HOUSE LOT Create one illustrative perspective showing a potential parking deck at the corner of Choice Avenue and South Chestatee Street.

Create one illustrative perspective from the square showing ground-floor retail with parking above.

Develop a site plan illustrating the potential deck footprint and general layout.

CHOICE AVENUE LOT Develop a site plan and AutoCAD base map of the proposed deck footprint with surrounding buildings and streets.

Create one illustrative rendering showing a potential parking deck.

Develop a site plan for an alternative beautified surface lot.

Design one illustrative perspective showing alternative beautification of the existing surface lot.

UNG LOT 05 & LOT 22 Develop a site plan for a beautified surface lot for L22 .

Develop a site plan illustrating the potential infill footprint and general layout in L05.

Create one illustrative rendering showing a potential infill at the corner of West Main Street and Waters Street.

SELECT REDEVELOPMENT FORMER REGIONS BANK Illustrate a conceptual redesign with potential uses at the corner of East Main Street, Choice Avenue, and Alma Street.

Create one illustrative rendering showing potential mixed-use redevelopment.

Create one “light touch� rendering showing adaptive reuse and landscape improvements.

225 SOUTH CHESTATEE STREET One illustrative rendering showing potential redevelopment.

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DOWNTOWN PARKING DECK PLANNING AND DESIGNS

B

ased on multiple parking studies of Dahlonega’s historic downtown district, local leaders determined the need for more parking near the public square. Working with the Dahlonega Downtown

Development Authority, three potential sites were selected for these additional spaces. As a part of the Dahlonega Downtown Renaissance Fellowship, various parking deck and infill development concepts were studied and envisioned for these three sites. The proposed design concepts offer easily accessible parking options for visitors and business owners and highlight potential areas for future development. By including possible future mixed-use infill development, these concepts offer Dahlonega options for expanding businesses and attracting downtown living. This section also includes options for beautifying parking lots to encourage the use of underutilized parking areas and improve the function and appearance of existing parking facilities.

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O

f the potential properties studied, the lot adjacent to the Smith House on the corner South Chestatee Street and Choice Avenue offers the easiest access to the historic downtown square. The conceptual design on the

following page shows a multistory parking garage and new two- or three-story mixeduse infill building on South Chestatee Street. This building features active street-front retail spaces and upper-story housing or office space. Located on a sloping site, the existing topography creates an opportunity to create two or more levels of parking below street level. The designs developed were envisioned to capitalize on existing site conditions, with deck parking along the slope and three stories of active infill development on Chestatee Street. This concept maximizes parking while bringing vibrant new storefronts and rentable space to this area of downtown.

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THE SMITH HOUSE PARKING DECK

Photo courtesy of the The Smith House

Once used as a boarding house for travelers in the early 1900s, the Smith House is a Dahlonega institution known for communal-style dining and delicious Southern food.

During renovations of the restaurant area, a mine shaft with a large gold vein was rediscovered beneath the Smith House. Visitors to the restaurant and hotel are welcome to view the mine shaft and other historic artifacts on display. The Smith House continues to serve hot meals and provide a warm place to stay for those visiting Dahlonega.

A neighboring property located directly across Choice Avenue from the Smith House was studied as a potential location for a downtown parking deck. Owned by Smith House proprietors Freddy Welch and Freida Welch-Bafile, this parking facility would serve the Smith House in addition to nearby downtown businesses and restaurants.

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EXISTING

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SMITH HOUSE PARKING DECK OPTION I

T

he rendering above shows the proposed three-story infill with a parking deck behind at the corner of South Chestatee Street and Choice Avenue. The 10-foot setback along South Chestatee Street allows for additional seating or cafĂŠ dining

in front. Newly planted trees along South Chestatee Street provide shade and help create a buffer between pedestrians and vehicles. To break up the continuous façade, brick detailing could be added. However, the scale and materials pictured in this rendering make the development compatible with surrounding historical downtown commercial buildings without additional ornamentation.

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SMITH HOUSE PARKING DECK

T

o expand the pedestrian-friendly ambi-

timeless, traditional materials like brick and

ance of downtown, this building has

design elements like cornices ties this new

been set back 10 feet from the exist-

building to Dahlonega’s historic downtown.

ing sidewalk. This additional area allows for

Brick support columns on the exterior of the

an expanded sidewalk that could house

parking deck behind the building complete

outdoor seating, sidewalk dining, or retail

the look. Both the nearby UNG Recreation

uses. On the side closest to the square, a

Center Parking Deck and UGA’s Tate Center

small courtyard space would provide a

Deck provided inspiration for the use of brick

peaceful, shaded gathering area for visitors

columns and steel cables. These elements

to sit and enjoy their time downtown. This

allow for a more open parking area that

space also acts as a buffer between the

minimizes the heavy concrete and over-

new development and the adjacent prop-

bearing appearance of many modern

erty. The existing staircase that leads to a

parking garages.

lower outdoor seating area and additional businesses should be connected to this courtyard to keep the current circulation.

The façade of the proposed infill development was inspired by Dahlonega’s historic Hall House and the building housing the Fudge Factory on the square. Visually referencing these structures by repeating

This section elevation details the potential arrangement of this development. Two levels of subterranean parking help support three aboveground levels of potential retail and residential space.

At 36’, this development conforms to existing development standards. Internal elevators could be placed for easy access to the square and surrounding businesses.

THREE STORY MIXED-USE INFILL

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S CHESTATEE STREET

PARKING SPOTS (12)

PROPOSED 6’ SIDEWALK

CHOICE AVE.

THREE STORY MIXED USE INFILL/BELOW GRADE PARKING

S CHESTATEE ST.

FIVE STORY PARKING DECK

10’ SETBACK WITH PLANTERS

COURTYARD

The rendering above shows the proposed infill from the public square. The corner emphasis adds visual interest to the lower commercial space and creates a direct line of sight. The right side of the image shows a courtyard with added planters and seating for visitors. While an amenity for visitors and business owners, this space helps create a buffer between the proposed infill and the neighboring commercial space. On the far right of this image, doors adjacent to the courtyard provide access to all levels of the rear parking deck.

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REFERENCE

The Smith House Lodge shown in the image above is located directly across the street from the proposed downtown parking deck site. At the suggestion of property owners Freddy Welch and Freida Welch-Bafile, this recolored design concept on the right references the exterior paint and trim colors used on the faรงade of the Smith House.

BRICK Off white paint matches vinyl siding on existing infill.

STORE FRONT AND CORNICE Bronze roof trim and balcony elements.

WINDOW TRIM Black window trim

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SMITH HOUSE PARKING DECK OPTION II

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CHOICE AVENUE LOT

A

t the corner of Choice Avenue and South Meaders Street, the lot located across from the Dahlonega United Methodist Church is the smallest of the three proposed parking areas

reviewed as part of the Dahlonega Downtown Renaissance Fellowship.

Although not far from the public square, this lot is more difficult to find than the other two proposed sites. Unlike the other parcels studied, this lot is not adjacent to any major arterial streets and is not visible from the public square. In addition, no signage exists to guide visitors from the public square or surrounding arterial streets to this location.

This property is already controlled by the City of Dahlonega and used for public parking, so it potentially could immediately be developed into a downtown parking deck. However, size constraints, site context, the narrow width of the property, the need for truck access, and the internal circulation requirements all make developing an efficient parking deck on this site challenging and less feasible than at the other two potential sites studied. The angled parking along South Meaders Street would need to be removed or significantly altered to fit an aboveground parking deck into this narrow lot and incorporate community requirements such as a service area with truck access at the adjacent 47 Park Street property currently undergoing restoration.

Each potential parking deck site has strengths and weaknesses that community leaders will need to carefully consider.

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Originally constructed by Dr. Homer Head in 1909, the Head House is currently undergoing restoration to house the Dahlonega DDA. The renovated historic home will include the DDA office on the second story and a leasable first-floor space.

The Head House

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CHOICE AVENUE PARKING DECK DESIGN

T

he rendering below shows a parking deck on this site at the intersection of Choice Avenue and South Meaders

Street. The brick columns help the parking deck blend visually with the historic buildings in Dahlonega. Cables are used in place of concrete walls on the upper two levels of the parking deck to allow more light to pass through and minimize the overbearing feeling of heavy concrete walls. A low concrete barrier on the lower level helps delineate the space and acts as a car stop.

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EXISTING The image above shows the current condition of the parking lot at the corner of Maple Street and South Meaders Street. The lack of vegetation compounds issues of stormwater runoff and also makes this space unwelcoming to visitors in the hot summer months. The unnecessary striped paved area could be put to better use as planting beds and pedestrian amenities.

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In the rendering below, the corner parking lot has been improved, with bump-outs at the front of the street adding aesthetic appeal to the parking lot and assisting in stormwater management. The Head House is clearly visible from both sides of Choice Avenue.

Improving this parking area allows for EXISTING

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this historic building’s beautiful façade to stand out along Choice Avenue.

CHOICE AVENUE BEAUTIFIED PARKING LOT

The rendering above shows the beautified lot at the corner of Maple Street and South Meaders Street. The bump-out featured in this image includes breaks in the curbing to collect stormwater from both South Meaders Street and the intersection. The side-

THE HEAD HOUSE

walk along South Meaders Street extends to the edge of the bumpout for easier pedestrian access to the Dahlonega United Methodist Church adjacent to this lot.

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UNG LOT 05 & LOT 22 is more efficient and user-friendly than that of nearby L22. In addition, L05 features pedestrian access and connectivity with sidewalks lining two sides of the parking area. Leading L22

to the public square and beyond, these sidewalks connect visitors and UNG employees to the nearby heart of downtown. Bordering L05 L05

are the Conner Memorial Garden and several commercial properties, many of which feature significant rear setbacks. The two-way parking access of L05 also helps create a buffer between these properties and the parking

N

ear the heart of historic downtown Dahlonega, two surface parking lots

area. Notably, some of the properties adjacent to L05 are also controlled by UNG. Overall, vehicular access at L22 is more diffi-

owned and operated by the University cult and complex than at L05. The two one-way

of North Georgia Real Estate Foundation entrances to this parking area are located on currently provide weekly permitted parking for Warwick Street, a one-way street with largely UNG employees and surplus weekend park-

local traffic. This restricted circulation and lack

ing for visitors. Situated between West Main

of direct access from the square limits the

Street and Warwick Street along Waters Street, amount of traffic that passes by L22. For drivers, lots L05 and L22 both offer convenient access

the need to navigate away from the square

to UNG’s Downtown Office Building and the

onto non-arterial streets makes this parcel seem

nearby square. Although these lots are adja-

farther away from the square than it really is.

cent to each other, slight differences in the Along with limited visibility, pedestrian access circulation and surroundings significantly affect to this lot is also somewhat restricted. Although usage.

there are multiple sidewalks that connect the

Of the two lots, L05’s location between West parcel to the square, only one side of the parkMain and Warwick Street is more visible and is

ing lot has direct access to a sidewalk. L22

easier for downtown visitors and vehicles trav-

directly abuts several downtown businesses,

eling along Main Street to access. Featuring

including the busy rear patio of downtown

two-way entrance/exits on both West Main restaurant and tavern Shenanigan’s and Kaya Street and Waters Street and two-way circu-

Tasting Room, but it is largely surrounded by

lation within the lot, the overall layout of L05 noncommercial properties.

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The plan for L05 features an “I�-shaped building in the lot.

This shape allows for the addition of on-street parking and widened sidewalks along Waters Street as well as employee parking and service areas behind the building. The sidewalk has been modified to completely wrap around the building for easier pedestrian access. A two-way access road connecting West Main Street and Warwick Street has been added behind the proposed infill for easier service vehicle access.

PROPOSED INFILL

The plan for L22 parking lot redesigned to be more functional and attractive.

This economical option for UNG leaders maintains parking capacity, while addressing issues of stormwater runoff.

Preserving this site as a parking area would allow for more development opportunities in the future. The circulation has been changed to make the lot easier to navigate for visitors. Planted bump-outs have been added to manage stormwater, provide shade, and beautify the site. The existing sidewalk has been extended to make pedestrian access easier and to encourage use of this lot.

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The types of properties surrounding each

The convenient location, high visibility, and

parcel has an impact on the user base of

good circulation of L05 make this a popular

these parking areas. High visibility, ease of

parking area. These same qualities make this

access, and other features make L05 a much

parcel an ideal location for future infill devel-

more desirable place to park than L22 for

opment and preferable to L22. Although the

most downtown visitors. The current condi-

L22 lot is only one block away from L05, its

tion of the parcels also affects their appeal.

poor circulation and lack of visibility from

Although the hardscape in L22 may appear

main arterial roads make it less desirable. In

to be newer, the landscaping in L05, includ-

the long term, however, L22 would be well

ing canopy trees, shrubs, and grass, make it

suited for mixed-use or residential develop-

much more appealing to park in. In addition,

ment, such as town homes or condominiums

at 23,300 square feet, L05 is significantly larger

for UNG employees or graduate students.

than the 16,800 square foot L22 lot. This size

While both L05 and L22 offer important parking

difference allows for a parking capacity of

capacity for UNG’s Downtown Office Building

45 at L05 versus 32 spaces at the smaller L22.

and campus visitors, parking may not be the

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best use for these convenient downtown

the UNG campus. Development on these sites

parcels. In future decades, redevelopment of

would tie the bustling area around the square

these spaces could further activate this area.

to the Holly Theater, UNG, and surround-

A high-quality, mixed-use infill development

ing destinations, creating a more walkable,

at L05 or L22 would help extend the vibrancy

lively, and connected downtown for visitors

and economic activity of the square toward

and residents. 

The rendering below shows proposed infill development on L05 at the corner of Waters Street and West Main Street. New 90-degree on-street parking has been added along Water Street to serve first-floor businesses. The existing sidewalk has been set back and widened to accommodate features like outdoor seating and to act as a safety buffer for pedestrians. The bottom floor features an open glass façade so customers can easily see bottom-floor retail.

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SELECTED REDEVELOPMENT

F

ollowing conversations with leaders from the Dahlonega DDA, two additional properties outside of the downtown historic district were also included as part of the Dahlonega Downtown Renaissance

Fellowship. Located within the DDA’s central business district, these locations were selected to envision how the economic vitality of the downtown area could be extended outward. By illustrating appropriate mixed-use infill development with options like upper-story housing and ground-floor retail, these designs provide a template for additional commercial and residential growth that would serve Dahlonega residents, tourists, and students and faculty of the University of North Georgia. The proposed designs for both of these lots focus on providing areas for growth immediately outside of the immediate historic downtown district to support Dahlonega’s economy and the long-term economic health of the area.

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A

FORMER REGIONS BANK

s one of the main corridors lead-

by a new business or converted to serve as

ing into downtown Dahlonega, East

a walk-up service area. The existing covered

Main Street serves as an important

space in the back of the building also offers a

gateway for visitors driving into the historic

flexible outdoor area for a stage or a covered

district. According to figures from the Georgia

seating area. Moveable planters and seat-

Department of Transportation (GDOT), East

ing could be placed around the lot to define

Main Street had an average daily traffic

additional outdoor seating areas or allocate

count of 14,900 in downtown Dahlonega.

space for food trucks at this busy corner.

Located at the corner of East Main Street, Alma Street, and Choice Avenue, this prominent parcel housing the former Regions Bank is seen by thousands of residents and tourists daily. The site’s visibility from East Main Street and connections to smaller residential streets would allow it to serve as a neighborhood anchor. Surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and government properties, this side could provide services to local residents, students, and tourists and create a new hub in the Dahlonega area.

As part of the Dahlonega Stories Trail, repurposing the existing structure by implementing a “light-touch” design would not only keep a part of Dahlonega’s history alive, but would also lower upfront development costs. Preserving many of the existing site features also would allow for expansion or rebuilding in the future based on market conditions. Existing elements of the building and the parking lot could be used for a new or relocated restaurant or other business. The existing covered drive-through could be used

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The rendering below shows what a light redesign of the existing building might look like. The movable planters and new vegetation beautify the space with minimal impact to the existing features.

Bringing an outdoor stage and seating to this area could create a popular neighborhood destination. This site would also provide a great location for local food trucks during special events.

EXISTING

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LIGHT-TOUCH DESIGN

E MA IN STR EET

Removed car stops replaced with movable raised planters

Drive-through/ walk up service area

Existing Buffer

Covered seating area/stage Moveable planters Moveable seating

The plan above shows a light-touch redesign of this parcel. This option requires no major construction or demolition on site. One existing bump-out has been removed to allow for access to a service area behind the building. Movable planters have been placed around the site to delineate outdoor seating areas. The planters placed along East Main Street can be moved and replaced to allow food trucks to move on and off the site easily. By leaving the forested area of the parcel untouched, this space continues to serve a barrier between this lot and the residential area behind it. Preserving this portion of the site also leaves open the opportunity for future redevelopment.

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FULL REBUILD

E MA IN STR EET Courtyard

Patio

Vegetated buffer

The site plan above the site as home to a new mixed-use infill development. This concept relocates most of the parking area to the rear of the building, maximizing valuable frontage along East Main Street. Expanded sidewalks throughout this design help connect this development to downtown and can be used as an outdoor seating area. A planting bed has been added along the northern edge of the property to act as a buffer between the street and seating area. An interior courtyard between the two buildings provides additional seating and acts as a flexible event space.

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255 SOUTH CHESTATEE STREET MIXED-USE INFILL

L

ocated on busy South Chestatee Street between downtown and Georgia Highway 52, this parcel is seen by

approximately 6,750 drivers daily according to GDOT estimates. With prominent frontage along one of Dahlonega’s prime corridors and close proximity to the University of North Georgia, this parcel has potential for both commercial and residential use. Currently, this site is classified as C3-Commercial and houses Wash World Car Wash, an active local business. Looking forward, in future decades this site could be the ideal location for mixed-use infill development.

Wash World Car Wash has been providing services to the Dahlonega community since 1990. Not only is this self-service car wash a source of income for the property owner, it also requires little maintenance.

However, looking to the highest and best use of this site, repurposing this parcel for other uses could increase the property value and give the community room to grow and expand. Although constructing new infill and redesigning this lot would require significant upfront costs, a long-term investment in this parcel could help expand the city’s vibrant downtown and provide benefits for both the property owner and the local community.

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EXISTING

The rendering above shows this parcel with mixed-use infill and on-street parallel parking, modeled on a building in the redeveloped downtown of a suburban Atlanta neighborhood.

The brick faรงade and traditional commercial storefronts help tie this contemporary look to the more historic buildings in the downtown core. A multistory building in this lot could include retail spaces on the ground floor and much-needed residential development on the top two floors. While time limitations of this 12-week fellowship prohibited working directly with the property owner, many different styles of infill development would be appropriate on this site.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DAHLONEGA DDA