COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch

Main Street Columbus Director Barabara Bigelow recently spoke to the Columbus Rotary Club about the rapidly-filling vacancies – both residential and commercial – in downtown. Among the properties discussed were:
– The former Stone Hotel has been converted into 18 new apartments (almost all filled as of Wednesday) and an open space for use by local businesses and individual workers. Local entrepreneur Chris Chain has been the man behind this project.
– The 322 building on 5th St has been fully-renovated by TGV Properties, LLC, bringing in 3 new apartments and even more space for business to be conducted.
– The Princess Theater has been leased out; once it’s ready, it will serve as a cafe and venue space.
– The Hive, a beauty shop, has a July opening planned. It is located at 422 Main Street.
– Zachary’s Tavern on Fifth Street is under renovation, with the intention to convert it into a fine-dining destination.

“Apartments downtown draw traffic,” Bigelow said. She went on to say that past development has proven that “if people are living on the second floors, it will draw traffic and business downtown and there will be foot traffic and car traffic.”

She went on to say that Market Street has seen renewed interest and success this past year, and that they plan to continue supporting the festival, making it bigger and better: “We had more visitors, arts and crafts vendors and food vendors than we’ve had in the past,” Bigelow said. “It is a great festival. It is enjoyed by many people and we are just so fortunate to have the support of everyone in Lowndes County,” Bigelow said.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-06-02/downtown-developments-bring-apartment-count-to-205/