A
FORMER REGIONS BANK
s one of the main corridors lead-
by a new business or converted to serve as
ing into downtown Dahlonega, East
a walk-up service area. The existing covered
Main Street serves as an important
space in the back of the building also offers a
gateway for visitors driving into the historic
flexible outdoor area for a stage or a covered
district. According to figures from the Georgia
seating area. Moveable planters and seat-
Department of Transportation (GDOT), East
ing could be placed around the lot to define
Main Street had an average daily traffic
additional outdoor seating areas or allocate
count of 14,900 in downtown Dahlonega.
space for food trucks at this busy corner.
Located at the corner of East Main Street, Alma Street, and Choice Avenue, this prominent parcel housing the former Regions Bank is seen by thousands of residents and tourists daily. The site’s visibility from East Main Street and connections to smaller residential streets would allow it to serve as a neighborhood anchor. Surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and government properties, this side could provide services to local residents, students, and tourists and create a new hub in the Dahlonega area. As part of the Dahlonega Stories Trail, repurposing the existing structure by implementing a “light-touch” design would not only keep a part of Dahlonega’s history alive, but would also lower upfront development costs. Preserving many of the existing site features also would allow for expansion or rebuilding in the future based on market conditions. Existing elements of the building and the parking lot could be used for a new or relocated restaurant or other business. The existing covered drive-through could be used
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