Buena Vista - Summer 2022

Buena Vista

Downtown Visioning and Design

Franco Conocchiari-Scherer, a graduate student studying landscape architecture at UGA’s College of Environment and Design, worked directly with Buena Vista mayor Kevin Brown and The Valley Partnership to address specific design opportunities in Buena Vista. Conocchiari-Scherer incorporated local priorities to create design solutions and develop a vision for several downtown locations. This project had three primary goals: designing concepts to revitalize several streetscapes, creating concepts for façade and infill developments, and developing a potential in town park.

2022 Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellow

FRANCO CONOCCHIARI-SCHERER

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The Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship

As a component of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership, the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship pairs emerging design professionals from UGA’s College of Environment and Design with local governments to enhance downtown development in communities across Georgia.

After a competitive selection process, graduate-level student fellows are selected for their design and communication skills as well as overall commitment to community design. Over the 12-week program, Renaissance Fellows work directly with their partner city, collaboratively producing renderings and plans in a studio environment at the Institute of Government. Fellows hone their design and planning expertise under the direction of five 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 during the program.

Since 2013, the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows have assisted 25 communities across the state. With input from the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation, the City of Buena Vista in Marion County was selected to participate in the 2022 Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship. Partner cities are chosen based on strong local leadership, community commitment, and fiscal readiness to act on projects. Buena Vista's location and active participation in the River Valley Community Compatible Development (RVCCD) project made the community an ideal fit for a 2022 fellowship.

This summer fellowship was made possible due to the River Valley Community Compatible Development (RVCCD) Project.

With financial support from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation and the Department of Defense, the RVCCD Project is a partnership between the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, the River Valley Regional Commission, Fort Benning, and conservation partners. Together these entities are developing a plan for sustainable economic development in the Chattahoochee River Valley Region of Georgia and Alabama. The RVCCD’s goal is to create a shared vision that provides economic prosperity for residents while conserving the natural resources and environmental systems

that contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of the military mission at Fort Benning. To this end, team members have been working directly with community members to identify and implement opportunities for this type of compatible development. Through this robust engagement process, it was made clear that the preservation and revitalization of the historic downtowns in these rural communities is a top priority for future growth and an opportunity to protect the larger landscape from the negative impacts of sprawling development.

Downtown redevelopment is a prime example of place-based 21st-century economic development, especially in rural communities. According to A Proven Economic Strategy by planning expert Edward McMahon of the Urban Land Institute, “The unique characteristics of place may be the only truly defensible source of competitive advantage in a world where people can choose to live or work almost anywhere.” McMahon further cites “building a strong downtown” and “build[ing] on an authentic sense of place” as keys for success in 21st-century economic development. Planning for future economic growth in historic downtown areas allows these

communities to build on their best performing and most distinctive assets. Keeping development within traditional commercial cores promotes a type of growth that preserves the surrounding landscape and natural resources crucial to this region. Through the commitment of community leaders in Buena Vista to preserve and redevelop their downtown courthouse square and the surrounding area, the city is boldly acting on the community’s vision for a lively, engaging community hub that offers expanded shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation options. The designs and plans that follow outline proposals to revitalize historic downtown Buena Vista.

Our Partners

The Valley Partnership Georgia Municipal Association

Cindy Eidson, Director of Economic and Community Development

Chris Higdon, Community Development Manager

Georgia Cities Foundation

Pam Sessions, President

Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG)

Design Studio Support

T. Clark Stancil, Creative Design Specialist & Fellowship Coordinator

Franco Conocchiari-Scherer, MLA, Summer Fellow

Allison Krausman, Summer Fellow

Garrison Taylor, Summer Fellow

Anna Shoji, Graduate Assistant

Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate

Kaitlin Messich, Public Service Associate

Kelsey Broich, Creative Design Specialist

Eleonora Machado, Creative Design Specialist

CVIOG Unit and Institutional Support

Leigh Elkins, Senior Public Service Associate

Scott Pippin, RVCCD Lead, Public Service Associate

Shana Jones, Public Service Associate

Saralyn H. Stafford, Rural Development Manager

Karen DeVivo, Editor

Mallory Lawrence, Editor

Margaret Blanchard, Editor

The Valley Partnership

The Columbus Chamber led the effort in creating and facilitating a regional economic development entity, which today is recognized and known throughout the Southeast as The Valley Partnership. The purpose of The Valley Partnership is to enhance commerce and trade opportunities within the Columbus, Georgia region. The Valley Partnership was officially formed in 1997 and currently consists of CussetaChattahoochee County, Harris County, Marion County, Muscogee County, Talbot County and the city of West Point. In 2000, the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority (VPJDA) was formed. The Valley Partnership works diligently to create public/private partnerships that meet the needs of both businesses and communities and improve regional quality of life at every level.

Georgia Municipal Association

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 benefits, and technical consulting services to its members. The mission of the Georgia Municipal Association is to anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools, and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective, and responsive.

Georgia Cities Foundation

The Georgia Cities Foundation was originally established in 1999 by the Georgia Municipal Association as a 501(c) (3) organization. In December 2010, the Foundation was designated as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the United States Department of the Treasury's CDFI Fund. The mission of the Foundation is to assist cities in their community and economic development efforts to revitalize and enhance underserved downtown areas by serving as a partner and facilitator in funding capital projects, and by providing training and technical assistance.

Carl Vinson Institute of Government

The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government has been helping governments become more efficient, effective and responsive for more than 90 years. Through training and development, customized assistance, application of technology, and studies relevant to government operations and decision making, the Institute of Government has the expertise to meet the needs of governments throughout Georgia and to help them solve grand challenges. At the Institute of Government, we inform, inspire, and innovate so that governments can be more efficient and responsive to citizens, address current and emerging challenges, and serve the public with excellence.

Project Sponsors

River Valley Community Compatible Development Project

The River Valley Community Compatible Development (RVCCD) Project targets six rural counties in the region surrounding the Army installation at Fort Benning to promote economic development based on the local natural and cultural resources. This partnership is working directly with members of these communities to identify and implement opportunities that promote job growth and prosperity for local citizens and help preserve the long-term mission of Fort Benning – the region’s largest economic driver.

RVCCD Partners

River Valley Regional Commission Carl Vinson Institute of Government

Project Sponsors

U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense, Community Cooperation

The Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) Advisory Board Georgia Department of Natural Resources Georgia Forestry Commission

The Nature Conservancy

U.S. Department of the Army, Fort Benning U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

River Valley Regional Commission

Introduction to Buena Vista

Surrounded by farms and woodland, Buena Vista lies at the heart of Marion County. Located at the crossroads of Georgia State Highways 41 and 26, Buena Vista is the traditional commercial hub of Marion County and the surrounding area. Marion County is named for Revolutionary War hero General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, and Buena Vista was named in honor of US President Zachary Taylor’s victory in the Mexican War (1846-48).1

Buena Vista’s position along important state routes makes the city a convenient stop for travelers. Tourists and residents alike may enjoy a stay at the Town House Bed and Breakfast, enjoy a great meal at Annie D’s or the Coffee Club, or tour the incredible Swamp Fox Distillery on the town square.

Buena Vista also hosts many historic sites, including the Marion County Courthouse at the center of town. Surrounding the courthouse, visitors can view a number of beautiful historic storefronts, including Marion Drugs and the Charles M. Clements Building. Marion Drugs’ 7-Up mural (painted by Jimmy Bush in 1946

and repainted in 1992 by Signs by Norm of Dallas, Texas) and CocaCola sign are reminders of 1930-40s town life. The Clements Building is home to a Coca-Cola mural and now serves as home to the Fox Hall event venue. Continuing along Broad Street, visitors can also admire the 1858 Buena Vista United Methodist Church.

Over the last few decades, Buena Vista has witnessed a declining population and economic setbacks, including the loss of major employer Tyson Foods. Despite these challenges, local elected and business leaders are investing in a revival of downtown Buena Vista. According to Mayor Kevin Brown, “[The closure of the Tyson Foods plant] pushed us to start focusing on tourism and trying to bring a transient population into the community to shop at our mom-and-pop shops

and leave revenue with our small business community.” Buena Vista is prioritizing improvements to the city’s courthouse square to help create the vibrant downtown and healthy local economy envisioned by local leaders. Following the approval of a regional $665 million TSPLOST proposal, Buena Vista is poised to invest over $2 million in local proceeds to improve infrastructure around the courthouse square. As shown in the designs in this document, local

elected and business leaders envision an active and attractive downtown streetscape, with new sidewalks, street trees, relocated utility lines, and other elements welcoming visitors downtown. Many of the businesses surrounding the antebellum-era courthouse are also committed to façade restorations and updates to better represent the businesses they house and more effectively serve patrons. Additional proposals include a new community park located one block south of the courthouse square at the corner of 7th Avenue and Church Street. An abandoned rail corridor along the southern end of this site could become part of a future regional rail-trail initiative. The design concepts in this report provide a “tool we're going to use to bring in a number of different agencies...[to] start looking for funding for the different things that we’re trying to do,” said Buena Vista Mayor Kevin Brown.

BUENA VISTA 2022 | Downtown Visioning

Purpose of this Document

In the summer of 2022, the City of Buena Vista sought design assistance from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Due to the financial support of the U.S. Department of Defense through the RVCCD project, this program was provided without any cost to the community. Buena Vista worked with Franco Conocchiari-Scherer of UGA’s College of Environment and Design to create a vision for future development in downtown Buena Vista. This Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship design assistance was made available to Buena Vista through a partnership of the Valley Partnership, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Cities Foundation, the Department of Defense, the UGA College of Environment and Design, and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This document helps visualize and conceptualize options for the future growth of downtown. The renderings and plans created for the city represent solutions to transform the built environment. These design interventions can be either short-term, like painting a prominent building or cleaning up rear service areas, or more involved longterm developments like streetscaping. Whether they encompass small or large projects, the designs speak directly to the priorities and vision articulated by community members, their ideas and solutions captured and brought to life on the page. These designs represent the goals and objectives of the community. Together, they illustrate

the community-determined vision of how the town will look and feel in the future. Designs are then used to guide strategic planning, prioritize decision making, and inform local officials who will direct the future of the town.

Included designs respond to unique challenges and opportunities found in downtown Buena Vista, including the desire for streetscape improvements and beautification throughout downtown. Developed with the assistance and oversight of Buena Vista Mayor Kevin Brown, the proposed designs included in this document reflect the vision of local citizens.

Together, these designs are intended to spur community development and enhance downtown Buena Vista for the city's residents.

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Scope of Work

Streetscape Improvements

■ Expanded Downtown Streetscape Plan

» Develop a site plan extending to the proposed 7th Avenue Park with elements including on-street parking, sidewalk improvements, and pedestrian connectivity between the park and the courthouse square area.

■ Courthouse Square Streetscape Improvements

» Create four to five illustrative renderings showing the proposed improvements around the courthouse square including expanded sidewalks, improved utilities, landscaped bump-outs, and new trees.

■ Streetscape Palette

» Develop a streetscape palette illustrating elements used in proposed courthouse square improvements, with elements including plant recommendations, lighting, trash receptacles, and signage.

Downtown Façade Improvements

■ Façade Renderings

» Create five illustrative renderings showing improvements to downtown building facades.

■ Infill Development Concept

» Create two illustrative renderings showing potential infill development at the corner of 6th Avenue and McDuffie Street

Downtown Service Improvements

■ Include potential back-of-house service improvements in the downtown streetscaping plan.

■ Illustrate potential rear service improvements with one illustrative rendering.

STREETSCAPE PLAN FOR DOWNTOWN BUENA VISTA

PROPOSED: The streetscape plan for downtown Buena Vista shows a new sidewalk encircling the courthouse square, bump-outs with large-canopy street trees, formalized on-street angled parking, EV charging spaces, RV parking, new crosswalks, and expanded sidewalks. Together these improvements make exploring downtown safer and more inviting for pedestrians.

Design Concepts

There are a variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities within the historic downtown square, with event space at Moon Family Theater and one-of-a-kind experiences at Swamp Fox Distilling Company. Additionally, the city contains multiple civic spaces for community resources. To improve the heart of the community and encourage economic development in the city, Buena Vista's elected and community leaders see improving the downtown square as a top priority.

Working with Downtown Renaissance Fellow Franco Conocchiari-Scherer and design professionals from the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, community leaders outlined local priorities including improved streetscaping, developing a more accessible community park, and assisting downtown business owners with façade renovations. Downtown streets currently emphasize vehicular travel and present opportunities to improve safety by expanding sidewalks, adding safe pedestrian crossings, and making other accessibility improvements to help establish a more walkable and attractive downtown. The desire to concentrate development close to the city center could be addressed by working to create a more central community park. Many commercial properties could benefit from beautification and updating around the courthouse square to boost tourism and encourage economic growth.

While the town of Buena Vista looks ahead to grow the local economy, they have not forgotten to look down. A community’s streets and sidewalks help make the first impression of the community for visitors and residents. Buena Vista is known for being the commercial center for Marion County

and the meeting point of multiple state highway routes. Commercial vehicles and through-traffic visitors are continually routed through the heart of downtown, creating a consistent supply of potential business patrons. This traffic volume also comes with challenges including heavy truck traffic, dangerous speeding, and unsafe pedestrian crossing areas. Citizens see these conditions as issues that must be addressed to grow downtown, support local businesses, and create the active local destination desired by residents. The following designs focus on encouraging safer vehicular speeds, creating accessible pedestrian walkways and destinations, and improving downtown commercial streets through more efficient on-street parking. The plan for downtown Buena Vista extends attractive streetscaping elements throughout the area. Expanded sidewalks throughout the historic square area improve pedestrian safety and could encourage additional outdoor seating and other uses. Large-canopy street trees shown throughout the plan bring much-needed shade and enhance downtown’s appearance. Formalized on-street parking throughout the square ensures easy accessibility for business patrons.

Buena Vista

STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

MCDUFFIE STREET

EXISTING: McDuffie Street in downtown Buena Vista features a wide paved area with limited street trees and shade.

PROPOSED: The improvements to McDuffie Street create a more pedestrian-friendly experience in downtown Buena Vista. The concept shows the road resurfaced with fresh crosswalk striping and new parking lines. The new angled parking spaces include electric vehicle chargers to promote regional tourism. Landscaped bump-outs adjacent to angled parking spaces slow down traffic and offer space for new street trees like willow oaks or laurel oaks to provide shade to the road and sidewalk. On the east side of the street, wider sidewalks allow room for businesses to have outdoor tables and street trees. An expanded central median planted with native grasses also calms traffic and allows for safe crossing at the busy 6th Avenue intersection.

4th AVENUE

PROPOSED: Improvements shown include fresh asphalt, landscaped bump-outs, large- and smallcanopy street trees, a new 6-foot sidewalk in the courthouse square, expanded existing sidewalks, and formalized angled parking. This concept also shows utility lines relocated behind downtown buildings.

EXISTING: Currently 4th Avenue is an unnecessarily wide roadway with little shade, no crosswalks to the courthouse, and no sidewalks along the courthouse square.

BROAD STREET

EXISTING: Broad Street serves as busy State Highway 41. The expanse of asphalt and lack of trees make this section of downtown feel barren.

PROPOSED: In order to continue on Highway 41 through Buena Vista, at least one turn through town is necessary. This makes Broad Street an excellent opportunity to lure travelers to spend time downtown with easy access to on-street parking and attractive streetscaping with large-canopy street trees.

6th AVENUE

This image also shows utility lines relocated. BUENA VISTA 2022 | Downtown Visioning

PROPOSED, OPTION II: 6th Avenue serves as a prime location to celebrate local baseball legend Josh Gibson. This shows a potential location of a prominent Josh Gibson statue in the heart of downtown.

Buena Vista

FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

The property at the corner of 6th Avenue and McDuffie Street housed two properties that burned down over the past few years. The prime empty lot gives property owners various options for utilizing this space on the main square. This lot could easily be used to provide services for those driving through, including a visitor parking lot with RV spaces. A public lot could encourage visitors to stop and explore Buena Vista and visit downtown businesses while preserving this area for future redevelopment. This property also has potential to provide the square with more commercial real estate by developing a mixed-use infill building on this property.

EXISTING: This empty lot is bordered by sidewalks along 6th Avenue and McDuffie Street, an adjacent building, and a parking lot to the south.

Google Image from 2014, before the two properties burned down.

PROPOSED, OPTION II: The lot could hold a new retail space to expand commercial development in Buena Vista’s main square. This two-story building could include offices or businesses on the ground floor with residences above. Based on a recently completed infill building in Madison, GA, timeless design elements like brick and a traditional appearance allow this building to blend in with surrounding structures. Crosswalks, new sidewalks, and street trees provide continuity throughout the square connecting the property to the remainder of the area.

PROPOSED, OPTION I: This rendering depicts the lot transformed into RV parking to better serve egional visitors, with a tree-lined buffer and pavement for easy parking. The lot is shown lined with trees to provide shade and paved for easy parking.

BUENA VISTA 2022 | A Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship Project

GIBSON PLAZA PLAN

EXISTING: The parking area at Marion County courthouse is currently used by a handful of employees and during court sessions. A plan created by the Department of Community Affairs envisions this parking area removed and replaced by landscaping. This parking area could be improved to preserve necessary ADA parking while enhancing the appearance of the area.

PROPOSED: This plan reimagines this parking area as a public plaza honoring Josh Gibson. The pavers shown on this lot are an attractive addition that could allow stormwater runoff to flow through the paving, creating a better environment for the trees on site. This concept allows for flexible uses like festivals and events while preserving on-site parking.

EXISTING: The oddly shaped existing parking lot encroaches on existing large canopy trees and the front of the historic courthouse. The paving goes right up to the trunks of several mature oaks.

PROPOSED: The new plaza space is a potential location to honor baseball legend Josh Gibson. The permeable pavers shown elevate the appearance of this space to create a more formal, civic atmosphere. These pavers could allow rainfall to percolate through the soil, nourishing the historic oak trees on site. The reengineered parking area more efficiently serves the Marion County Courthouse while allowing for more greenspace.

MCDUFFIE and 7th AVENUE

PROPOSED: This design shows McDuffie Street with fresh asphalt, formalized parallel parking, and a bump-out with a white flowering Natchez crape myrtle. The improved sidewalk to the right leads to a site envisioned as a future community park.

EXISTING: Moving toward 7th Avenue, McDuffie Street could be formalized to incorporate parallel parking.

Streetscape Planting and Materials Palette

In conversations with city officials, local leaders identified the need for a comprehensive list of elements recommended in property improvements. Planting palettes created for the courthouse square and the overall downtown streetscape include a recommended selection of hardy, culturally appropriate plantings. Local officials see a graphic catalogue of streetscape elements

STREETSCAPE PLANTING PALETTE:

as offering a beneficial resource for both property owners and the local government. With guidance from local leaders and partners, the following elements draw on the city’s history, context, and existing culture. By using the elements included in these resources, Buena Vista can help create a more unified appearance along major corridors and celebrate the city’s unique identity.

Landscape recommendations for Buena Vista include a variety of trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers suitable for use along the city’s major corridors. The plant palette created for the downtown streetscape includes both native species and hardy exotics well suited to Southwest Georgia. These tried-and-true plantings can take heat, compaction, minimal rooting area, and other conditions commonly found along downtown streets.

The Buena Vista planting and materials palettes were created to help guide property owners and ensure cohesive downtown development that reflects the character of the community.

BLACK GUM

LIRIOPE GROUNDCOVER

PURPLE MUHLY GRASS

ASIAN JASMINE

WILLOW OAK

NATCHEZ CRAPE MYRTLE

LAUREL OAK CHINESE ELM

BUENA VISTA 2022 | A Georgia Downtown Renaissance

COURTHOUSE SQUARE PLANTING PALETTE:

The secondary planting palette created for the courthouse grounds includes similar plantings but with the addition of culturally appropriate selections including Southern magnolia, crape myrtle and more. These recommended plants help evoke Buena Vista’s character and identity. The more park like setting of the courthouse grounds could also allow for plantings of more sensitive ornamental species or plants with higher water and soil area requirements.

WILLOW OAK

SOUTHERN LIVE OAK

LAUREL OAK

CAMELLIA JAPONICA

ASIAN JASMINE LIRIOPE GROUNDCOVER

SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA

RED MAPLE

NATCHEZ CRAPE MYRTLE

CHINESE ELM BUENA VISTA 2022 |

Streetscape Elements

SEATING: The Victor Stanley model RB-28 bench is a classic and sleekly styled bench whose black recycled steel frame will endure over time and refresh the look of downtown streets and public spaces. Shaded locations should be prioritized when examining bench placement.

TRASH RECEPTACLES: The Victor Stanley model RB-36 trash receptacle boasts sturdy black vertical steel rods. The simplistic style of these receptacles pairs well with elements already used in the courthouse square area.

LIGHTING: Lampposts along the courthouse square could endure for many years to come with basic maintenance and fresh paint. Where new lighting is needed, street lights like the option pictured could blend in well with existing lighting. This model, with Lexington decorative post top and a York pole shaft, is available on Georgia Power’s GPC Marketplace.

PUBLIC STREET & WAYFINDING SIGNAGE: Buena Vista has a great opportunity to develop a cohesive look through the installation of new street signs and wayfinding signage. Signage plays an important role in identifying and defining space and character. The attractive street signs pictured were recently installed in nearby Cusetta. Similar signage would be an appropriate choice in downtown Buena Vista.

PAVING: For everyday paving surfaces including rear driveways or service areas, concrete or gravel is an acceptable paving solution. More public locations, or places of high interest should consider permeable pavers. When installed in permeable applications, brick pavers offer a timeless appeal while facilitating storm water management.

DUMPSTER SERVICE AREAS: Dumpster service areas should be kept simple and neat for easy access and maintenance. Dumpster service areas should be constructed on a concrete pad or gravel capable of withstanding traffic from heavy service vehicles.

Streetscaping elements identified in the materials palette could help visually unify downtown. Local leaders commented favorably on the look of materials in downtown Americus and Ellaville. This curated selection of streetscape elements would coordinate with many materials already used downtown and create a unified appearance along city streets.

Buena Vista

DOWNTOWN SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS

DOWNTOWN SERVICE AREA

EXISTING: Buena Vista leaders and community members noted that downtown dumpsters and service areas could be cleaned up to improve the appearance of downtown.

PROPOSED: This design shows utility lines relocated to the back sides of downtown businesses, a frequent request from property owners. Additional improvements include a gravel-surfaced service area, centralized dumpsters, landscaping, and removal of unused or obsolete equipment.

Buena Vista

NFILL IMPROVEMENTS

NORTH BROAD STREET

EXISTING: The building on the corner of 5th Avenue and Broad Street is currently undergoing renovation.

PROPOSED, OPTION I: This rendering shows the building with a fresh coat of paint with bright accent colors including a welcoming bold red door to invite new patrons.

PROPOSED, OPTION II: This more subdued color palate still invites notice with a warmer feel.

CORNER CAFÉ

PROPOSED: The rendering for this site envisions space for more than one small business. Trees, string lights, and outdoor seating transforms the former gas station into a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. Reducing excessive curb cuts and paving improves the pedestrian experience and allows for an expanded landscaping strip with new tree canopy.

EXISTING: The interior of the former gas station at this prominent corner has been recently renovated. The property features swathes of paving and bare planting areas that could be improved.

BUENA VISTA 2022 | A Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship Project

MARION DRUG FAÇADE

This

EXISTING: The façade of the historic Marion Drug Building features a lot of worn paint and mismatched colors. A safety door on the second-floor hints at what was once an old balcony.

PROPOSED:

rendering shows an updated and more cohesive color scheme that echoes the iconic Marion Drug Coca-Cola sign on the side of the building. A balcony has been reinstalled to take full advantage of second-floor rental potential. Expanded outdoor seating space under the balcony and street trees make the site more comfortable for patrons.

FOX HALL FAÇADE

EXISTING: The interior of the Fox Hall event venue has been beautifully restored. Property owners requested a façade rendering to showcase potential exterior improvements.

PROPOSED: This concept shows a second-floor balcony added to this prominent building. Teal molding and storefront elements give a pop of color while elegant curtains set a more formal tone.

MCDUFFIE and 4th AVENUE

112-116 N. MCDUFFIE STREET

PROPOSED: This rendering shows an updated façade with a touch of color to draw the eye to the businesses in this building. Bump-outs provide shade with street tree plantings and fresh on-street angled parking spots clearly indicate access points for the businesses.

EXISTING: This building on North McDuffie Street houses the Consignment Company and J&L Front Porch Pizzeria. The awning shows signs of age and the asphalt is cracked and faded with unclear parking.

BUENA VISTA 2022 | A Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship Project

WATER TOWER

EXISTING: This image shows current conditions of the water tower in Buena Vista.

VISTA

PROPOSED: This design shows the tower repainted with a new design honoring Buena Vista’s Josh Gibson. Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, Gibson is remembered as one of baseball's most accomplished power hitters. Over a 17-year career, Gibson is reported to have hit nearly 800 home runs.

Buena Vista

7th AVENUE PARK DESIGN

Inspiration

Buena Vista leaders would like to see a new park convenient to downtown and residential areas surrounding the city. The secluded location of the existing park discourages families from visiting and is easily overlooked by those passing through. The proposed park design detailed here was inspired by the idea of the Southern front porch, a place that brings neighbors together in the heart of the community. Creating a space that serves as Buena Vista’s “front porch” would work to create a community destination and strengthen local identity. The bold colors and geometric forms found at nearby Pasaquan, the folk art complex just outside Buena Vista, also inspired these concepts. These elements can be seen in paving patterns, play structures, basketball court mural, trail signage, and other site elements such as benches, pavilions, and more.

7th Avenue Park Programming

Programming elements for the park proposed by city leaders include:

• Splash pad for a place for children to play and cool off in the summer

• Play area with opportunities for intergenerational play

• Putting green, which can double as lawn/greenspace when not in use

• Basketball court, for recreation and as a public art and communitybuilding opportunity

• Pavilions to provide shaded gathering spots

• Walking trail that connects to the existing sidewalk network

• Stage for community events

• Restrooms for park users and downtown visitors

7th AVENUE PARK DESIGN

Site Inventory

EXISTING: This image shows the property proposed for a new community park. The many mature trees in place provide shade and the relatively flat topography is ideal for many planned amenities.

EXISTING: The park property lacks sidewalks and easy access even within close proximity to the courthouse square.

Site Analysis

The design for the new park considers the site’s location adjacent to downtown streets and environmental factors such as shade patterns, seasonal winds, and existing tree canopy and topography. The site is located at the southwest corner of 7th Avenue and Church Street, approximately 0.2 miles from the town square. Directly west of the site is a Family Dollar store, and to the north are private residences and a church. On the south side of the site, there is an abandoned rail corridor which may be part of a future regional rail-trail initiative. The site is approximately three acres. Remnant curb cuts and historic maps of the site

indicate that the site was formerly occupied by several structures. The site is relatively flat, but with a slight downward slope as it gets close to the railroad. A large number of trees and shrubs create a border between the site and the railroad. Additionally, there is a nice tree canopy throughout the site which can be an asset to the future park. Traffic on two adjacent roads, 7th Avenue and Church Street, varies. Church Street is a busier road for vehicular traffic, while 7th Avenue experiences less car activity. McDuffie Street is the primary pedestrian connection toward the downtown square.

7th Avenue Park Concept

Buena Vista, GA

BUENA VISTA 2022 | Downtown Visioning

Design Concept

Improvements to the site would be focused around two main areas of the parcel:

The area south of the intersection of 7th Avenue and McDuffie Street would serve as the main entrance, helping connect the proposed park to the courthouse square area. The entry plaza would contain seating, a shade structure, and plants or public art to create a focal point visible to pedestrians walking southbound from the town square along McDuffie Street.

Most programming elements are clustered on the eastern portion of the site. These elements include a splash pad, play area, basketball courts, and putting green. Grouping these features would make the construction of additional facilities more efficient.

In addition to the two areas noted above, formal and informal trails would provide paths for strolling and connections to the various spaces within the park. Benches and a small stage are shown incorporated along the pathway. A proposed public restroom would be located along 7th Avenue between the two main areas of the park, and street parking would be provided with 22 new onstreet spaces along 7th Avenue.

Proposed Design

PARK DESIGN

The proposed design utilizes circular forms inspired by Pasaquan’s distinct visual style. The following program items are incorporated into the site, as noted on the site plan and legend on pages 52-53:

1. “Front Porch” plaza: The approximately 4,000-square-foot plaza located at the southern intersection of McDuffie Street and 7th Avenue contains a pavilion, rocking chairs, and planting beds. This area serves as the main entry point to the site, and is visible to potential park patrons as they walk southbound along McDuffie Street from the town square area. The front porch is accessible from the main sidewalk along 7th Avenue, and directly connects to the informal walking path (#3 on map) within the site. The entry plaza sits approximately 100 feet west of the public restrooms (#4 on map).

2. 8-foot paved walking path: This serves as the primary walking path within the site. This feature is shown paved, providing ADA connectivity to all functional areas of the site from the main sidewalk along 7th Avenue. The loop that the path creates is approximately 0.2 miles, so visitors could complete a mile walk with five laps.

3. 6-foot unpaved walking path: This serves as the secondary walking path and provides connection between the entry plaza (#1 on map) and primary walking path (#2 on map). This feature provides a more natural setting for those who wish to stroll through the site, and could include a connection further south (#5 on map) toward to potential future rail-trail.

4. Public restrooms: Two public restrooms are accommodated at this location approximately 100 feet east of the front porch plaza (#1 on map) and 100 feet west of the splash pad (#6 on map). Because of the convenient location along 7 th Avenue, these facilities are also a short walk from the town square area, and can serve as an amenity for downtown visitors. Water fountains should also be provided here.

5. Connection to future rail trail: A regional initiative to transform the abandoned rail line to the south of the property may create a walking/biking connection to the site. A path would provide connection from the park to the potential regional trail.

6. Splash pad: The approximately 800-square-foot splash pad provides children a space to play and cool off during the summer months. Splash pad structures could incorporate playful designs that provide visual interest even when splash pad is not in use.

7. Putting green: The roughly 1,250-square-foot putting green could be used by golfers within the community. When not in use for putting, this space also double as lawn/flexible green space.

8. Play area: The approximately 2,100-square-foot area with informal play equipment can be used by both children and adults for intergenerational play. The poured-in-place rubber surface of the area with level transition from the plaza would ensure access for those with strollers and mobility aids (e.g. parents, children with disabilities, and elderly users).

9. Basketball court: Located on the east side of the park, the basketball court would be directly accessible from the 7th Avenue sidewalk. The basketball court should be fenced to avoid balls from straying into the street or into other adjacent activity areas. The basketball court surface could also serve as public art and community-building space with a mural either commissioned by a local artist or arts group.

10. Seating area: Several sets of tables/chairs provide flexible seating opportunity for those observing or resting from the various activities nearby, and those who are gathering more informally. Seating can be moved under the pavilions (#11 on map), or within the open space between the basketball court (#9 on map) and play area (#8 on map).

11. Three pavilions: Pavilions in the activity area provide shade for those utilizing the public seating area (#10 on map) for picnics, events, or rest. The pavilions also provide shade for those in the play area (#8 on map).

12. Trees: Four trees at the eastern boundary of the park site provide a screen to separate the traffic along Church Street from those utilizing the activity area. Large canopy trees such as oaks can provide screening and seasonal shade for those in seating area (#10 on map) and basketball court (#9 on map). Trees also add ecological value to the community.

13. Small stage: The stage concept included in this plan provides space for community events and informal gatherings such as neighborhood group or scout meetings.

14. On-street parking: 22 on-street parking spaces along 7th Avenue provide vehicular access to the site with close proximity to the main areas of the park.

7th Avenue Park Proposed Design Buena

Vista, GA

7th AVENUE PARK, EXISTING

7th Avenue Park

EXISTING: This image shows 7th Avenue and the site identified as a potential future park by Buena Vista leaders.

PROPOSED: This design concept shows the vacant lot transformed into an active community destination. New on-street parking and sidewalks along 7th Avenue ensure access to the park. Elements shown include a restroom facility, splash pad, playground area, and flexible putting green.

7th AVENUE PARK, PROPOSED

BUENA VISTA 2022 | A Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship Project

Business & Economy • Georgia Impact

UGA helping rural downtowns experience a renaissance

Business & Economy Georgia Impact

UGA helping rural downtowns experience a renaissance

22, 2022 by Margaret Blanchard

Faculty, graduate students focused on developing a sense of community

has created 23 plans for community downtowns since 2013.

August 22, 2022 by Margaret Blanchard

The experience is mutually beneficial — students get real-life experience while the city receives design ideas that spark excitement and, hopefully, the financial investment to turn plans into reality.

ery. Tischler suggested installing electric vehicle charging stations as a potential way to encourage tourists to stop and stay a while.

Columbus, Ga. – Buena Vista is ready for a face-lift.

Steeped in the turpentine and cotton industries, the small (pop. 1,800) Georgia city about 30 miles east of Columbus today features a city square with wide streets surrounding an antebellum-era courthouse. Trucks carrying logs and gravel swing through town while cars regularly honk or wave to folks walking down the street.

Kevin Brown, a Buena Vista native and current mayor, sees a community poised for growth and is looking to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to help guide the way. “We all have ideas, but now it’s time to get a plan, so we can then go ask for support,” he said.

“We consider ourselves a catalyst to help create places that will bring communities together,” said Danny Bivins, a faculty member at the Institute of Government. “The 21st century model of economic development is all about community and place — giving people a space to gather and be together — so you need to do things to develop that sense of community to succeed.” The timing for the fellowship is ideal for Buena Vista, which has been exploring ways to boost its economy since a Tyson Foods plant closed in 2015.

Capturing the thoughts and ideas of the community is key for students as they work to create realistic design options for a small city, from streetscaping, park planning, facade renovation or other physical improvements.

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“A lot of this is trying to walk in somebody else’s shoes,” Stancil said. “You're working with folks in a rural community and realize that, if you’re laying out this parking lot, it better accommodate a Ford F-250 or similar vehicle, right? It's trying to appropriately match the community with the design.”

Conocchiari-Scherer, a firstyear master’s degree student in landscape architecture, welcomes the challenge.

Throughout the 12-week internship, the students meet regularly with the local stakeholders and city officials for feedback. At the end of the fellowship, students present a final plan to the community and a published report with renderings, plans and designs. Having the vision on paper will drive future investment, Brown said.

“This is the tool we're going to use to bring in a number of different agencies. I'm even sharing it with the River Valley Regional Commission so they can go out and start looking for funding for the different things that we’re trying to do as well,” he said. The River Valley Regional Commission includes Marion County, where Buena Vista is located.

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Each summer, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Downtown Renaissance Fellowship program enlists UGA students to envision solutions to building community and place. (Photo by Garrison Taylor)

It’s a story that has played out in many smaller towns and cities across the state in recent years, and where faculty and students in UGA’s Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship are making a difference.

Faculty, graduate students focused on developing a sense of community

“That left a real big dent on our economy,” Brown said. “It pushed us to start focusing on tourism and trying to bring a transient population into the community to shop at our mom-and-pop shops and leave revenue with our small business community.” Several community leaders and business owners gathered recently to share their needs and ideas with Clark Stancil, a creative design specialist with the institute, and this year’s Downtown Renaissance Fellows, Franco Conocchiari-Scherer and Garrison Taylor.

Buena Vista Buena Vista is ready for a face-lift.

The program enlists graduate students from the UGA College of Environment and Design to help breathe new life into Georgia’s small, rural cities like Buena Vista. Supported by the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation, the program

The group batted around ideas — from improving signage and beautifying sidewalks to screening dumpsters— to create a more inviting environment.

“This is much more complex than creating designs for a hypothetical situation like a class project. The key is to learn to listen to the client, provide several proposals, and create high-quality work that is appropriate for their needs,” he said. A native Argentinian with a background in farming, Conocchiari-Scherer is also motivated by the public service aspect of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows program.

Developing tools and facilitating partnerships for rural communities is a natural extension of the university’s land-grant mission, akin to helping direct a choir, Bivins said. It’s sheet music—you don’t get a choir singing together without sheet music, and you don't get a community working together without a vision and a plan,” he said.

Steeped in the turpentine and cotton industries, the small (pop. 1,800) Georgia city about 30 miles east of Columbus today features a city square with wide streets surrounding an antebellum-era courthouse. Trucks carrying logs and gravel swing through town while cars regularly honk or wave to folks walking down the street.

“My problem isn’t getting people in, it’s keeping them here,” said Joel Tischler, manager of Swamp Fox, a downtown distill-

“I believe every student should be involved in a project that improves public space,” he said. “The most important goal of education is to improve the quality of life for our society and its communities. This is also a way of giving back to society for the privilege of being able to access a postgraduate education.”

Kevin Brown, a Buena Vista native and current mayor, sees a community poised for growth and is looking to the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to help guide the way.

“We all have ideas, but now it’s time to get a plan, so we can then go ask for

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Each summer, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Downtown Renaissance Fellowship program enlists UGA students to envision solutions to building community and place. (Photo by Garrison Taylor)

In June, the Institute of Government’s Clark Stancil and Downtown Renaissance Fellows Franco Conocchiari-Scherer and Garrison Taylor met with Kevin Brown, mayor of Buena Vista, to discuss ideas for transforming the city.