The United States is clearly in a recession. The economy has tanked nearly everywhere, but not in Senoia. That reality came through loud and clear in a conversation Tuesday with City Administrator Richard Ferry. During 2008 available commercial space essentially doubled with much more on the way in 2009.

Much of the commercial development during 2008 came from projects undertaken by Historical Development Ventures. What now functions essentially as a landmark, a portion of the Historic Senoia development, is an entire block of 2 and 3-story buildings lining the west side of Main Street between Travis and Seavy that opened earlier in the year. And directly across the street, on the corner of Main and Seavy, is the construcion of another 3-story office building, the next phase of Historic Senoia.

“What impresses me beyond the construction is that it is quality construction,” Ferry said. “We have basically the comparison of what was the vacant lot into a viable building with businesses like Piedmont Physicians Group and Harry Norman Realty scheduled to move in. Harry Norman must have seen a benefit to being here.”

Also new for 2008 was the re-opening on Main Street of Le Fleur Flowers & Design, as was the completion of the Flash Foods/McDonald’s at the intersection of Ga. Highway 16 and Ga. Highway 85, among others.

Commercial growth in 2008, by any estimation and compared to practically any municipality, was astounding. Commercial space inside the city essentially doubled during the year, as did commercial tax revenues from the construction, Ferry said. As for residential growth, 2008 saw only 30 permits compared to 120 in 2006.
The only downside of a slowed residential growth, said Ferry, is that it allows the city to get ahead of the curve on water and sewer projects.

“If we see a (residential) recovery in the latter part of 2009 and into 2010, our water and sewer infrastructure will be perfect,” Ferry said.

Ferry said another positive move in 2008 was the creation of a position for a Downtown Development Coordinator.

Just down the street a couple of blocks at the old gin property in the area between Gin Street and Hwy. 16 is another development by Historical Development Ventures that began earlier in 2008. Ferry said infrastructure is now in place for the 11-acre property destined for mixed use development, combining office and/or retail with up to 80 residential units, including single-family, multi-family and loft units. The development will be accentuated by Brownstone style buildings, some of which will likely be attached. Taken individually, said Ferry, the total number of buildings could reach 110, with many being 2-story structures.

“It’s really interesting how it’s all coming together. I don’t think it will become a new downtown,” he said. “I think it will extend the downtown that exists. That was our goal all along, back in 2005 when we started talking about what it would take for downtown to become vibrant. It would take businesses that people want to come to, but on top of that it would take residential uses.”

Looking ahead to 2009, Ferry said an area of examination will be the need to zero in on business development that citizens need.

“One of the keys we need to focus on in 2009 is what should we be going out to solicit and what kind of businesses would fit here,” Ferry explained. “The businesses that come to us, they want to be here, they know they fit. But what are we missing, what do we need to go out and get? Not because it fits a niche, but because the people here in Senoia need it.”
Senoia had already become a magnet for all types of outdoor events, such as the various parades and other venues like the appearance of the Clydesdales for the past two years. These events draw thousands to a little town of about 3,500 people. But from what is happening with business development, and even a new style of residential, it will be interesting to see what 2009 brings.