CORNELIA DOWNTOWN VISIONING AND DESIGN Second Edition, 2024
2024 EDITION
SECOND EDITION PRINTING Originally produced as a 2022 Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship report, in 2024 this document was updated and reprinted to assist city leaders with design concepts for a recently acquired parcel of land adjacent to Cornelia’s historic depot. Local leaders envision this nearly two-acre area as a prime location for a signature community event space capable of accommodating regular programming like the Big Red Apple Festival. After touring the site with local leaders and community members, design professionals at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government worked with city officials to create plans and renderings illustrating this exciting new park and event space. The vision included in the final section of this document includes concepts for a central community event venue, expanded multiuse trails, and an assessible playground taking shape in this prime downtown location. This collaborative effort aims to further ongoing efforts to make Cornelia one of North Georgia’s most vibrant downtowns.
Background Photo Credit: 1936, loc.gov/item/2017761666
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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE FELLOWSHIP...........................................................5 OUR PARTNERS Cornelia Downtown Development Authority...............................................6 Georgia Municipal Association....................................................................6 Georgia Cities Foundation...........................................................................7 Carl Vinson Institute of Government...........................................................7 UGA College of Environment + Design........................................................7 INTRODUCTION TO CORNELIA.........................................................................................9 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT.......................................................................................11 SCOPE OF WORK...................................................................................................... 13 DESIGN CONCEPTS.................................................................................................... 15 STREETSCAPE DESIGNS Sidewalk Inventory.............................................................................. 17-18 Wyly Street Sidewalk Extension........................................................... 18-21 Highway 441 Trail............................................................................... 22-23 Hodges Street Streetscape Plan........................................................... 24-25 Mud Creek Greenway.......................................................................... 26-27 Mini Storage Building......................................................................... 28-29 Corner of Stoval St. and Clarkesville St.................................................30-31 Apple Tree Alley Improvements.......................................................... 32-39 Level Grove Road Retaining Wall Mural.............................................. 40-41 Cornelia City Hall History Walk........................................................... 42-43 INFILL DEVELOPMENT Wells and Irvin Street.........................................................................44-47 Greenway Multifamily Complex..........................................................48-49 Cornelia Motors Façade....................................................................... 50-53 Habersham Hardware Warehouses...................................................... 54-61 2024 DESIGN CONCEPTS Cornelia Amphitheater........................................................................62-69 Clarkesville Street................................................................................70-71
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FELLOW
THE GEORGIA DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE FELLOWSHIP A component of the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Partnership, the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship pairs emerging design professionals from the University of Georgia College of Environment + 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. Throughout the 12-week program, Renaissance Fellows work directly with their partner city, producing renderings and plans collaboratively in a studio environment at the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. Fellows hone their designs and planning expertise under the direction of four full-time design and planning staff. With backgrounds ranging from historic preservation and landscape architecture to graphic design, these experts help guide the creation of professionallevel plans and renderings produced by student fellows during the program. Since 2013, the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellows have assisted 27 communities throughout the state. With the assistance of the Georgia Municipal Association and the Georgia Cities Foundation, the City of Cornelia was selected as one of two communities to take part in the 2022 Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship. Partner cities are selected based on the criteria of strong local leadership, community commitment, and fiscal readiness to act on projects. Garrison Taylor, a graduate student studying landscape architecture at the UGA College of Environment + Design, worked directly with Jessie Owensby and the Cornelia Downtown Development Authority to address specific design opportunities in Cornelia. Taylor incorporated local priorities to create design solutions and develop a vision for several key locations downtown. This project had two primary goals: to create design concepts for potential infill developments, and to create design concepts to improve downtown parking and the visitor experience through expanded streetscaping.
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PARTNERS CORNELIA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Donald Anderson, City Manager Jessie Owensby, Community Development Director
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 Danny Bivins, Senior Public Service Associate Kaitlin Messich, Public Service Associate T. Clark Stancil, Creative Design Specialist & Fellowship Coordinator Kelsey Broich, Creative Design Specialist Eleonora Machado, Creative Design Specialist Carmine Fischetti, Landscape Architect & Urban Designer Karen DeVivo, Editor
UGA COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT + DESIGN Garrison Taylor, Downtown Renaissance Fellow
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CORNELIA DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
The Cornelia Downtown Development Authority (CDDA) was created through a resolution from the Cornelia City Commission in 1982 and was reactivated in the summer of 2011 to further help with revitalization efforts in Cornelia. The primary goal of the CDDA is to revitalize and redevelop the Cornelia business district and to promote for the public good and general welfare, trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities by creating a climate favorable to commerce. The CDDA works diligently to promote, maintain, and enhance an economically viable downtown by focusing public and private resources on the fulfillment of downtown Cornelia’s potential for the benefit of the entire community.
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 mission 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.
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GEORGIA CITIES FOUNDATION
CARL VINSON INSTITUTE OF GOVERNMENT
UGA COLLEGE OF ENVIRONMENT + DESIGN
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 US Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund. The foundation’s mission 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.
For more than 90 years, the Institute of Government has informed, inspired, and innovated so that governments can be more efficient and responsive to citizens, address current and emerging challenges, and serve the public with excellence. 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 10.5 million, the Institute of Government has promoted excellence in government through technical assistance, training programs, applied research, and technology solutions.
The University of Georgia’s College of Environment+ Design (CED) has been consistently ranked among the top schools in the nation for both undergraduate- and graduate-level landscape architecture. CED also provides nationally accredited, innovative, and demanding programs in historic preservation, urban planning and design, and environmental ethics. Students are challenged to explore their unique, individual interests and creatively problem-solve community issues in design charrettes. They also interact with clients, community organizations, and planning agencies. CED aims to connect its students with a large and accomplished alumni network as much as possible. Visiting professors, professionals, and lecturers provide frequent opportunities for students to network with and learn from renowned designers in a broad range of career options.
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The Big Red Apple monument stands on the railway depot grounds in downtown Cornelia.
INTRO
INTRODUCTION TO CORNELIA Located in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, Cornelia is a picturesque small town surrounded by natural beauty. Cornelia’s 4,500 residents are drawn to the city’s strong quality of life, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundant employment opportunities. With a bustling downtown, thriving commercial businesses, and a strong manufacturing base, Cornelia serves as a regional destination for business development and tourism. Cornelia was first settled around 1860. The city was situated near the old boundary line between the Cherokee and Muscogee (Creek) tribes. At the close of the Civil War in 1865, the area where Cornelia is located was a typical mountain forest. The spot was so well secluded that a moonshine still was operated without interference in what is now the center of downtown. In 1872, the Charlotte-Airline Railroad (later Southern Railway) cut through the old-growth forest surrounding Cornelia. A roadbed was cleared and graded, and tracks were laid from Gainesville to Toccoa. In 1882, the Blue Ridge and Atlantic Railroad opened a line that extended northward from Cornelia to Clarkesville and Tallulah Falls. The Tallulah Railway, as it came to be called, carried passengers and freight from Cornelia to Franklin, North Carolina. Many of the passengers traveled through Cornelia to visit Tallulah Falls, a major turn-of-the-century attraction and one of the most scenic spots in the Southeast. The railway continued serving the area until after World War II when the line was discontinued. The Big Red Apple monument stands on the railway depot grounds in downtown Cornelia. Honoring this long-time regional crop, the apple is 7 feet high and 22 feet in circumference and weighs 5,200 pounds. The apple is constructed of steel and concrete and was molded in Winchester, Virginia, in 1925. The apple stands on a concrete pedestal 8 feet high and 6 feet square at the base. The monument was donated by Southern Railway. Cornelia has since been touted as “The Home of the Big Red Apple.” Within the city limits, visitors will find numerous attractions, such as the historic Cornelia Community House and the restored railroad depot in the center of town. The Chenocetah Tower is the last rock-constructed, working fire lookout tower in the East and has been preserved through a cooperative effort between the US
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A train car from the historic Tallulah Railway.
Forest Service and local citizens’ groups. The Main Street Hometown Program sponsors festivals and summer concerts. In September, Cornelia hosts the Big Red Apple Festival, featuring crafts, specialty foods, entertainment of all kinds, and an antique car show. Every year ends with a “Christmas in the Park” light display drive through City Park that is free and open nightly throughout the month of December. Today, downtown Cornelia is a center of activity and economic development. Residents and visitors of all ages and cultures are choosing to live, shop, and work downtown. The Cornelia Downtown Development Authority (CDDA) has played an active role in encouraging the revival of downtown Cornelia. In recent years, the city and CDDA have made significant investments in downtown infrastructure and development. Today, visitors to Cornelia can explore miles of paved sidewalk and trails linking downtown with the outer reaches of the city. Visitors and locals alike are drawn to Cornelia’s expanded downtown events, family-friendly atmosphere, unique spaces like Fender’s Alley, unforgettable dining options, and other great downtown attractions. Cornelia‘s forward-thinking leadership and the CDDA deserve praise for transforming downtown into a vibrant community hub. Driven by the input of local leaders, the designs and concepts in this document help to further Cornelia’s downtown renaissance.
Visitors can enjoy the restored historic railroad depot in the center of town.
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A local bridge with a love note reading “Tim loves Tink,” which has existed is several variations since at least the 1960s.
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ABOUT
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT In the summer of 2022, the City of Cornelia and the Cornelia Downtown Development Authority sought design assistance from the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The CDDA worked with Garrison Taylor of the UGA College of Environment + Design to outline a vision to guide the future development of downtown Cornelia. Known as the Georgia Downtown Renaissance Fellowship, this design assistance was made available to Cornelia through a partnership between the CDDA, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Cities Foundation, the UGA College of Environment + Design, and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This document helps visualize and conceptualize options for the future growth of downtown. The designs that follow respond to unique challenges and opportunities found in downtown Cornelia, including streetscape improvements and beautification throughout downtown. Developed with the assistance and oversight of Cornelia Community Development Director Jessie Owensby, the proposed designs rethink the relationship of downtown amenities and activity centers to the community. Together, these designs are intended to spur community development to enhance downtown Cornelia for its residents.
Commercial strip along Hodges Street
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SCOPE
SCOPE OF WORK STREETSCAPES Wyly Street Sidewalk Extension ■ Develop a site inventory of existing sidewalks along Wyly Street and proposed additions.
■ Create three renderings showing potential sidewalk improvements and additions.
Wells and Irvin Street Parking ■ Develop a site plan and AutoCAD basemap of proposed parking. ■ Create one illustrative rendering depicting the proposed use of the corner lot.
Central Service Dumpster Area ■ Develop a site plan of proposed dumpster enclosure. ■ Create one illustrative rendering of the dumpster enclosure.
DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR INFILL DEVELOPMENT Habersham Hardware Warehouses ■ Create two renderings showing potential uses for the warehouses. ■ Develop a site plan illustrating the potential layout.
Greenway Multifamily Complex ■ Create one rendering showing potential infill in context.
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DESIGN CONCEPTS Historic downtown Cornelia features a variety of shopping and dining in locally owned businesses, a historic train depot, six beautiful parks, and the world famous “Big Red Apple.” Residential neighborhoods surround these downtown anchors just outside the downtown core. For the past several years, city leaders have worked hard to expand sidewalks and streetscaping to link downtown with surrounding residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Continuing to invest in sidewalk expansion, streetscape beautification, and infill development could further connect the community, provide quality-of-life improvements, and enhance economic development efforts in the community. Some key corridors in downtown Cornelia currently emphasize vehicular travel. These areas present key opportunities to improve safety by expanding sidewalks, adding safe pedestrian crossings, and making other accessibility improvements to help establish an even more walkable and attractive downtown.
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SIDEWALK INVENTORY Several corridors extending from downtown Cornelia are designed primarily for vehicular traffic. While portions of downtown Cornelia cater to pedestrian foot traffic, several areas have restricted access due to gaps along sidewalk networks. This map indicates where sidewalks currently exist and highlights opportunities to expand pedestrian access.
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STREETSCAPES The following plans and renderings show streetscape improvements like new sidewalks and on-street parking to increase connectivity, pedestrian safety, and overall accessibility throughout downtown Cornelia. These streetscape improvements throughout downtown are envisioned to enhance the area as a community destination.
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STREETSCAPES
WYLY STREET SIDEWALK EXTENSION Wyly Street is a major eastwest artery through Cornelia connecting South Main Street to Cornelia City Park. The following Wyly Street sidewalk extension proposals are designed to make
EXISTING: This image shows the existing conditions at the corner of Wyly and Larkin streets. The sidewalk ends and does not continue onto Wyly, making pedestrian access unpleasant and dangerous.
pedestrian access safer by dedicating space for sidewalks, encouraging slower vehicular speeds, and separating pedestrians and traffic where possible. These concepts are intended to make walking more pleasant by filling in missing sections of sidewalks. Improvements like street trees and attractive streetscaping will also enhance the appearance of the corridor. The paving shown in these images matches the style of recent sidewalks installed by the city along Level Grove Road.
PROPOSED: This image shows proposed improvements to Wyly Street, adding a new sidewalk with a stamped-concrete brick motif.
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EXISTING: This image was taken from an existing segment of sidewalk along Wyly Street between Oak Street and Summit Street. Beyond Summit Street, there is no sidewalk along the busy corridor.
PROPOSED: This rendering shows a crosswalk at Summit Street and a sidewalk extension along Wyly Street.
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EXISTING: Approaching Cornelia City Park along Wyly Street, no sidewalk exists along this portion of the corridor.
PROPOSED: This rendering shows a sidewalk along Wyly Street and street trees to provide shade and create a buffer between pedestrians and the busy road. The trees shown are Forest Pansy redbuds, a native cultivar well suited to planting along city streets.
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STREETSCAPES
HIGHWAY 441 TRAIL
EXISTING: The trail along the old Highway 441 stops after Midway Station shopping center. Completing this connection could help tie this growing area to downtown.
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PROPOSED: This rendering shows the proposed continuation of the rail-trail with a rain garden in the drainage ditch.
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STREETSCAPES
HODGES STREET STREETSCAPE PLAN Hodges Street is another important eastwest artery through downtown Cornelia. The plan for this street increases access to prominent businesses by expanding onstreet parking and streetscaping westward toward Level Grove Road and the Mud Creek Greenway. Expanding streetscaping
EXISTING: Hodges Street’s existing conditions include limited street parking and no sidewalks along the north side, which holds several prominent businesses.
and street tree plantings extends the look and feel of downtown westward, encouraging visitors to park further down the street and walk to downtown businesses and destinations. Expanding these features westward could help encourage future development in keeping with the scale and style of downtown.
PROPOSED: This rendered plan shows the sidewalk extended to connect to the greenway as well as new crosswalks, formalized street parking, and added street trees.
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STREETSCAPES
MUD CREEK GREENWAY Mud Creek runs through and under downtown Cornelia. The proposed sidewalk extension down Hodges Street would connect to the existing, unpaved greenway path. Paving the greenway path could make this resource more accessible
EXISTING: This photo shows the existing conditions at the corner of Hodges Street and Level Grove Road. The greenway path is unpaved and fairly difficult to see. The sign is far from the road, and the site has little shade.
and inviting. The greenway could connect to the proposed multifamily development along Ivie Street shown later in this document.
PROPOSED: This rendering shows proposed changes, including a paved path, signage closer to the path entrance, shade trees, and a planting bed at the entrance.
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STREETSCAPES
MINI STORAGE BUILDING The Mini Storage building sits on an important pedestrian
EXISTING: The existing conditions at the mini storage facility just west of downtown include a gravel lot, damaged asphalt, and a lack of shade.
route between Hodges Street and Irvin Street. This area offers the potential to capitalize on existing pedestrian traffic while helping encourage Cornelians to start small businesses. Turning half of the storage units into micro-business incubators could create a launching pad for new businesses and address the need for leasable space downtown.
PROPOSED: This rendering shows a proposed use of the Mini Storage building. Half of the units remain storage, while the other half house microbusiness incubators. This concept shows a restroom, patio, and street trees, as well as some cosmetic updates to the building. The apple motif shown was designed by Orla Kiely.
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STREETSCAPES
CORNER LOT The owner of the property at the corner of Stovall Street and Clarkesville Street allows this space to be used as occasional overflow parking for downtown events. Otherwise this space
EXISTING: This aerial view shows existing conditions at the corner lot.
sits empty for most of the year. There is potential to use this area for permanent public parking downtown. An additional service area on this site could also serve nearby downtown businesses.
PROPOSED: This plan shows a 68-space surface parking lot lined with shade trees to help alleviate the demand for downtown parking. An additional dumpster enclosure could help service businesses on the eastern end of downtown.
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STREETSCAPES
APPLE TREE ALLEY PARKING Following significant recent improvements, Apple Tree Alley serves as an important and attractive rear public parking lot, service area, and gathering place behind downtown businesses. In 2021, the area underwent a major
EXISTING: The Apple Tree Alley parking lot behind Bigg Daddy’s was recently redone to incorporate large planting beds.
overhaul that included relocating power lines, expanding sidewalks, reconfiguring parking, and more. This area now provides an essential service to downtown business owners and visitors. Through elements like string lighting and custom-made Cornelia bike racks, this area reflects local character and leaves an impression on visitors. The following designs show additional improvements to further enhance this downtown resource. PROPOSED: Using larger-canopy trees in the existing beds of this recently reconfigured parking lot maximizes the potential of these features. Willow oaks would create a nice shade canopy in the parking lot, while muhly grass adds a pop of color and texture to the bed.
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PLAN: This site plan shows the proposed dumpster enclosure in Apple Tree Alley. A secondary enclosure on the eastern end of the site would provide easy pickup access and create a convenient disposal area for businesses on the east side of downtown.
STREETSCAPES
APPLE TREE ALLEY CENTRAL SERVICE DUMPSTER AREA The central service area in Apple Tree Alley includes four dumpsters and two used–cooking oil disposal containers. Concentrating these essential services in one location makes sense for downtown business owners, makes waste pickup more efficient, and improves the visitor experience. Currently, the dumpsters are not enclosed, and there is a steep dropoff directly behind the designated dumpster area. The designated area is also constrained by curbs on both sides, making it difficult for trucks to service the area. Dumpsters are often left outside of the designated area and at an angle to make service easier, which also places the dumpsters off the concrete pad and dangerously near the slope. An enclosure that could be easily accessed by service trucks would accommodate a maximum of two dumpsters and the cooking oil disposal containers. Moving two of the dumpsters to a secondary service enclosure could relieve congestion in this area and provide a more convenient location for other downtown businesses.
EXISTING: This image shows the central service area at the end of Wells Street. Concentrating these necessary features makes sense to encourage a welcoming and attractive visitor experience.
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PROPOSED: This design shows two large dumpsters and a grease trap enclosed behind an attractive steel enclosure. This concept includes an example of the city’s iconic “Big Red Apple.”
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STREETSCAPES
CORNER OF APPLE TREE ALLEY AND NORTH MAIN STREET Apple Tree Alley is an important access point to downtown businesses. This corner is the most visible from North Main Street, and the lowerlevel business is currently vacant.
EXISTING
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PROPOSED: This rendering shows the popular local destination Raspas El Tigre relocated to this downtown location. The gray paint has been covered to better match the surrounding brick. The back wall features a tiger mural, and these concepts include two options for a welcome mural facing North Main Street: apples leading to the Big Red Apple or a map of the city.
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PROPOSED: If city leaders think bollards are a good choice for this area, these features could take the form of a big red apple, enhancing Cornelia’s sense of place.
STREETSCAPES
CORNER PLAZA Due to the lack of a high curb at this corner plaza in Apple Tree Alley, vehicles often park in this area designed for pedestrians. The following designs aim to discourage these potentially dangerous parking habits and increase the usability and comfort of the plaza and parking spaces.
EXISTING: Although designed for pedestrians, this plaza space behind 150 Wells Street is often used for parking.
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PROPOSED, OPTION II: Food Truck
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PROPOSED: This mural option takes elements from the city logo and creates an arrow out of the train tracks. “Let the tracks lead you here,” the city’s slogan, takes a prominent position on the wall.
STREETSCAPES
WALL MURAL
PROPOSED, OPTION II: This rendering shows a more budget-friendly option for the mural, with just one color of paint without a basecoat covering the concrete.take the form of a big red apple, enhancing Cornelia’s sense of place. EXISTING: The recently installed retaining wall on Level Grove Road creates a perfect space for a mural directing drivers downtown.
PROPOSED, OPTION III: This whimsical mural concept shows fun apple characters running down a tree branch, leading visitors toward downtown.
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HISTORY WALK
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EXISTING: This image shows the existing retaining wall in front of city hall.
PROPOSED: City leaders proposed creating a memorial wall on the existing retaining wall in front of city hall. Based on a design from Waynesville, North Carolina, this concept could create a prominent commemoration of Cornelia’s history.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
WELLS AND IRVIN STREET Wells Street and Irvin Streets are important connector roads in downtown Cornelia. These corridors help connect important amenities such as Irvin Street Park and prominent businesses. The following revitalization concepts demonstrate how the corner of Wells Street and Irvin Street could be transformed to better serve the surrounding areas. Options include a surface lot to expand downtown parking capacity or an opportunity to further grow downtown with an infill development and on-street parking. The existing grade of this site and the condition of surrounding buildings would likely require significant infrastructure and complicate developing a surface parking lot on this site.
EXISTING: The existing conditions at the corner of Irvin Street and Wells Street include incomplete sidewalks and an empty lot on a significant slope.
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PROPOSED SURFACE PARKING PLAN: The plan above shows a surface parking lot, retaining wall, and formalized on-street parking along Wells Street. A large retaining wall would be necessary to develop a surface lot at the level of Wells Street. The amount of infrastructure and engineering required to develop a surface lot on this site would likely be significant and would be costly.
PROPOSED INFILL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Developing an infill building in the vacant lot could address the need for leasable space downtown, expand the economic vibrancy of the area, and fill in a prominent gap downtown. This concept includes a two- to three-story corner building that takes advantage of the sloping site. Other elements shown include formalized parking on Wells Street, street trees, and angled on-street parking along Irvin Street.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
WELLS AND IRVIN STREET
EXISTING: This photo shows the existing conditions at the Irvin and Wells site, including informal street parking in front of the vacant lot and a very narrow sidewalk in front of the buildings on Wells Street.
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PROPOSED: This rendering shows a mixed-use infill building in a style that would complement Cornelia’s traditional downtown buildings. This corner building could incorporate office or retail on the ground floor with apartments, condos, or vacation rentals above. Additional elements shown include formalized on-street parking, ADA-accessible curb ramps, and street trees.
PROPOSED: This evening rendering shows twinkling lights in trees and attractive storefront lighting.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
GREENWAY MULTIFAMILY COMPLEX The underutilized existing warehouse complex on Ivie Street is located in an otherwise residential area near downtown Cornelia. Developing multifamily housing on this 3.9-acre site could help address the demand for more housing units in town. Located along the Mud Creek Greenway, this site could offer a unique amenity for future residents.
EXISTING: This image shows the Habersham Hardware site from the railroad tracks. The brick portion of the warehouses includes many industrial features worthy of preservation.
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PROPOSED: This rendering shows a proposed multifamily development similar to Peaks of Cornelia replacing the warehouse. Street parking, a sidewalk, a crosswalk, and a dog walking area further enhance the area. The sidewalk could also connect with the Greenway.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
CORNELIA MOTORS FAÇADE REDESIGN TOP IMAGE: Cornelia Motors is pictured above in a 1950 issue of the Tri County Advertiser. MIDDLE: A view of the Cornelia Motors lot filled with inventory and customers, looking north. BOTTOM: Formerly: This circa 1990 image of Cornelia Motors shows façade redesign visible today.
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TOP IMAGE / EXISTING: The former Chevy dealership has been altered from its original form, with an overhanging roof and removal of the original brick façade. MIDDLE / PROPOSED: This rendering shows some proposed short-term changes to the building façade, including roll-up doors on the left side, a repainted roof, an apple motif mural, signage on the front, and a landscape strip with street trees along Main Street. BOTTOM / PROPOSED: This rendering shows proposed long-term changes to the building façade that help restore the historic appearance of this prominent building. This design shows the metal façade removed and the original brick stepped façade repaired. A streamlined metal awning, seating, and outdoor lighting further enhance the façade.
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EXISTING: This image of existing conditions at the corner of South Main Street and Dolson Street shows two small structures, no sidewalk, and acres of uneven pavement.
INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
INFILL BUILDING AT SOUTH MAIN STREET AND DOLSON STREET
PROPOSED: This rendering shows a proposed infill building at the corner of South Main Street and Dolson Street. Developing a hotel with retail, restaurant, and office space on this site could create a new gateway to downtown Cornelia and allow the city to host a larger variety of conferences and events. The footprint of this development was adapted from the design of a new downtown hotel in Thomasville, Georgia, with approximately 100 rooms. New sidewalks shown in this concept extend down both South Main Street and Dolson Street, with new street parking and bump-outs for shade trees.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
HABERSHAM HARDWARE WAREHOUSES Located on the 3.48 acres of property northeast of the Cornelia Depot, the Habersham Hardware warehouses on Rosa Parks Street were home to a Cornelia staple for 72 years. While the hardware company has closed, the former site presents a significant revitalization opportunity. The following renderings depict a live-work-play complex with new commercial opportunities and expanded pedestrian pathways adjacent to a multifamily complex that will address demand for in-town housing.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
HABERSHAM HARDWARE WAREHOUSES This rendered plan shows proposed infill development in the Habersham warehouse area. Two three-story mixed-use infill buildings (in red) fill now-vacant lots. The existing warehouse building (in white) anchors the area. The plan includes a total of 129 parking spaces. The rail-trail is shown as 14’ wide, with a spur that connects to downtown. Largeand medium-canopy trees line the trail, street, and parking areas.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
HABERSHAM HARDWARE WAREHOUSES This rendering shows the proposed developments at the corner of MLK, Jr. Drive and Rosa Parks Street: a three-story mixeduse building, on-street parking, improved signage, sidewalks, street trees, and a crosswalk.
EXISTING: The existing conditions at the corner of MLK, Jr. Drive and Rosa Parks Street include a wide street with no sidewalks, an empty lot with a vacant building, and cracked asphalt.
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INFILL DEVELOPMENT DESIGN CONCEPTS
HABERSHAM HARDWARE WAREHOUSES This image shows the brick warehouse transformed into a mixture of inviting businesses, housing, and other uses. Rosa Parks Street is shown improved with new sidewalks, on-street parking, and street trees. A rail-trail along the former spur connects this site with the Cornelia Depot and activates the corner courtyard.
EXISTING: This image shows the Habersham Hardware site from the railroad tracks. The brick portion of the warehouses includes many industrial features worthy of preservation.
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A PRIME LOCATION SIGNATURE COMMUNITY EVENT SPACE IN CORNELIA FOR A
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2024 DESIGN CONCEPTS
CORNELIA AMPHITHEATER Cornelia leaders recently gained control of a nearly two-acre area adjacent to Cornelia’s downtown splash pad park and the historic depot. This triangular shaped parcel includes a number of unused rail spurs serving the Norfolk Southern main line as well as the railbed of the abandoned Tallulah Falls Railroad. City leaders envision this site as a prime location for a signature community event space. Cornelia regularly hosts concerts and events like the Big Red Apple Festival that draw thousands of attendees. Local leaders envision a central community event venue similar to Sewanee’s Town Center Amphitheater, with expanded multiuse trails connecting to the city’s trail network, and an assessible inclusive playground taking shape in this prime downtown location.
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CORNELIA AMPHITHEATER
CONCEPTUAL PLAN Design professionals at the University of
community events. Local leaders envision
Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government
the multiuse trail along the western edge
created a conceptual plan for Cornelia
of the site eventually extending two miles
Amphitheater Park with input from local
to the Wal Mart on Historic Highway 441,
leaders and community stakeholders.
creating a downtown terminus for the city’s
Pictured on the following page, this concept
multiuse trail network. A stairway pictured
includes a two-story theater stage based on
along the steep bank on the western edge
the dimensions of Sewanee’s Town Center
of the site connects the main park area to
Amphitheater. The main stage could be
Clarkesville Street and downtown Cornelia.
accessible from an improved Grant Place
Improvements shown along Clarkesville
Extension and include features like dressing
Street include new sidewalks, a raised
rooms, event storage, and restrooms. A 15,800
mind-block crosswalk, 13 new parallel
square foot main event lawn fronts the main
parking spaces, landscaped bump-outs with
stage area. Approximately 1,580 attendees
street trees, and attractive street lights.
could be accommodated in this area in an informal seated event. A 11,400 square foot overflow lawn could accommodate roughly 1,140 additional seated patrons. Restroom and concession facilities shown throughout the concept were envisioned as railcar-themed shipping containers to evoke the history of this site and the nearby historic depot.
This concept dedicates over 18,000-square feet to an expanded all-ability playground adjacent to the main event area. This concept divides the play area into two distinct spaces. These could be tailored for children of different ages. Play spaces in these areas could provide year-round activity to the expanded park and enhance the attraction
Multiuse pathways in this concept typically
of the popular splash pad immediately
follow the paths of the historic former rail
adjacent to the site. The play areas pictured
lines and spurs, connecting park visitors
could be constructed in a later phase of
to the history of this site. Generous 10-to-
development, allowing these areas to serve
20-foot multiuse pathways could easily
as amphitheater overflow in the short
accommodate heavy event traffic as well as
term. An expanded public plaza west of the
occasional emergency vehicle access. The
existing splash pad could improve access
arcing 20-foot pathway on the northeastern
into the expanded park and create a new
boundary of the site was envisioned as a
home for the relocated locomotive on site.
potential location for food trucks during
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EXISTING: This image shows the existing parking area at Cornelia’s popular downtown splash pad. Local leaders envision a new community event space and expanded park taking shape in the fenced industrial property below this parking area.
PROPOSED: Slight renovations to the existing parking area could create a welcoming entry to the proposed Cornelia Amphitheater. This concept includes a main stairway connecting to the heart of the proposed event lawn. Elements pictured in the background include an impressive event stage and new inclusive playground. This concept also shows the utilitarian fencing replaced with attractive ornamental fencing that matches elements used at the splash pad.
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EXISTING: This image shows existing conditions at the property recently acquired by the city. The Norfolk Southern main line and Grant Place sit on a bank overlooking the heart of this site. The city could consider using the existing shed as a temporary event space in the short term. The locomotive on site will be relocated and the rail spurs shown will be covered over or incorporated into new pathways.
PROPOSED: An attractive and iconic event stage serves as the centerpiece of this design. Inspired by the stage at Sewanee Town Center, this facility could include second story access from Grant Place. Generous multiuse pathways are shown on many of the historic rail spurs, connecting visitors to the history of this site. An inclusive play space brings year-round activity to the expanded park and enhances the draw of the nearby splash pad. Handsome willow oaks, flowering redbuds and ornamental trees, and attractive street lamps enhance the visitor experience. C OR N E L I A 202 4 | D o w nt o w n V i s i o n i n g a n d D e s i g n | S e c o n d E d it i o n
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EXISTING: This view from the bank along Clarkesville Street shows the site proposed for an expanded park and event venue. Heavy debris and former rail lines speak to the industrial history of this site.
PROPOSED: Anchored by the main event stage, the event lawn and overflow area are shown activated by a concert or other community event. The 20-foot wide pathway and plaza space in the middle ground could accommodate food trucks during events. A line of oaks planted along the Clarkesville Street bank provide shade and help define the main event area. Spaces between the trees could create the ideal location for an informal hammock park.
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EXISTING: The property acquired by Cornelia for an expanded park and amphitheater includes frontage along Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Local leaders anticipate additional improvements to MLK, Jr. Drive including new sidewalks connecting Jim Smith Park to the remainder of downtown.
PROPOSED: This design shows improvements to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive including new sidewalks and tighter travel lanes to encourage safer vehicular speeds. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive entry to the proposed amphitheater park includes a wide multiuse pathway along the railbed of the historic Tallulah Falls Railway. Willow oaks planted along the bank provide some definition to the expanded park and would cast a welcoming shade canopy over time. The plan for the amphitheater park includes a series of posts between these trees to create an informal hammock park. C OR N E L I A 202 4 | D o w nt o w n V i s i o n i n g a n d D e s i g n | S e c o n d E d it i o n
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2024 DESIGN CONCEPTS
CLARKESVILLE STREET
EXISTING: Clarkesville Street provides an important connection from downtown to nearby Highway 441. Local leaders noted that vehicles along Clarkesville Street travel into the busy downtown area at unsafe speeds. Sidewalks and traffic calming measures in this area could improve pedestrian safety and enhance connectivity throughout downtown Cornelia.
PROPOSED: This concept connects the expanded park area to downtown with new sidewalks along the east side of Clarkesville Street. A central stairway and raised midblock crosswalk allow easy entry to the heart of the expanded park. Along with a raised crosswalk, parallel parking and landscaped bump-outs shown in the background could help reduce dangerous travel speeds. Attractive street lamps improve the experience of visiting the amphitheater for evening concerts. Improvements to the park at the top of the bank include a canopy of willow oaks, railcar-themed restroom facilities, and a relocated locomotive.
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ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY AND SAFETY WITH NEW SIDEWALKS AND CALMING MEASURES C OR N E L I A 202 4 | D o w nt o w n V i s i o n i n g a n d D e s i g n | S e c o n d E d it i o n
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This document was produced for the people of Cornelia by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government