College Square

Redevelopment Plan

On November 6, 2024, the Mayor and Commission approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) for the process of redesigning College Square with long-term changes.

TSPLOST 2023 Project #28 will provide some funding for the plan.

Related Documents

Background

College Square is the most recognizable and visited area of downtown where thousands of visitors form their first impressions of the Athens-Clarke County community. Making College Square as vibrant as newly-renovated Clayton Street will foster new economic activity, jobs, and cultural experiences.

The College Square project will transform College Square into a people-focused public open space that supports the vitality of downtown. The new design prioritizes the pedestrian experience, enhances the connection between major destinations, and supports the flourishing entertainment district for residents, businesses, and tourists.

Project Goals

Based on its mission to improve quality of life and economic vitality in downtown Athens, the Board of Directors for the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) established three fundamental goals to guide the development and implementation of urban design, streetscape and open space improvements in downtown Athens.

  • Improve connectivity: Enhance connectivity for all modes of transportation to create linkages between downtown businesses, open space and neighborhoods.
  • Enhance character and identity: Enhance the unique character of the downtown area by implementing a streetscape plan that is both reflective of community values and increases the attractiveness of downtown to visitors.
  • Promote street life: Make improvements to downtown Athens' public spaces that raises the quality of pedestrian experience, and affords a variety of places for both passage and lingering, increase social interaction, and foster community pride.

Mayor & Commission Work Session Discussion of College Square Redevelopment Plan (September 10, 2024)

History

ACCGov's Transportation and Public Works Department and Central Services Department closed College Avenue between East Clayton Street and East Broad Street, commonly known as College Square, to vehicles as of Thursday, October 8, 2020.

The closure was part of a six-month pilot project to close this block to vehicle traffic and temporarily convert the area to a pedestrian and dining plaza. In the spring of 2021, the Mayor and Commission voted to permanently close the plaza.

Future elements and infrastructure for the space have not yet been determined, but will be evaluated as part of the voter-approved TSPLOST 2023 program as part of Project 28: College Square Pedestrian Plaza.

Plaza information

  • picnic tables
  • 14 standard hexagonal tables
  • four ADA-accessible hexagonal tables
  • Patrons using the spaces should clean up after themselves and be respectful of their time at a table if others are waiting to use tables.
  • Food and drink are allowed in the plaza area, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted.