A called work session of the Senoia City Council and Downtown Development Authority Dec. 7 led to the agreement to form a committee that will develop a host of plans relating to influx of visitors expected from June through December next year with the selection of one of the Gin Property brownstones as Southern Living Magazine’s 2010 Idea House. Committee members are expected to be announced Dec. 21.

Mayor Robert Belisle said state tourism director Bruce Green suggested that the city take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the Idea House and prepare for the thousands of visitors that are expected to visit Senoia in the second half of 2010.

Council members and DDA board members began the meeting by discussing tentative plans for the event that will put Senoia on the map next year. Among the issues referenced were the need for adequate signage, both at the entrances to the city and north on Ga. Highway 74 to the interstate. Websites, too, could be used to advertise the event and direct tourists to the city, some said.

Historic Development Ventures co-owner Scott Tigchelaar, developer of Gin Property, said Southern Living is expected to do a 13-page spread on the Idea House in an upcoming issue and might be willing to provide a billboard at the exit of Ga. Highway 74 at I-85.

Other proposals for marketing the city and accommodating those spending time in Senoia included a potential tour of homes and the need to address parking, traffic and public restrooms.

The committee membership is expected to be finalized by the Dec. 21 council meeting.

“This is a first for Senoia and a first for south metro Atlanta since no home in this part of the metro area has ever been selected,” Tigchelaar said previously. “But it is also a first for Southern Living because it’s the first time they’ve selected a brownstone as an Idea House.”

One of five 3.5-story luxury brownstones to be constructed in the new 75 residential unit project, the Idea House will total approximately 3,700 square feet and will feature a courtyard, plunge pool and grilling pavilion. The 11-acre Gin Property residential development will feature streetscapes accented with gas lights and carries the possibility of including a boutique hotel.

As with each of the other four brownstones, the Idea House will be outfitted with a rooftop terrace and an elevator. The remaining brownstones will average approximately 3,500 square feet. The units will carry a price tag of $600,000-$1 million.

Southern Living’s project manager Frank Craige said Idea Houses are normally open from June to September with 15,000-20,000 people taking a tour. Next year in Senoia the customary June opening will be extended through Christmas, paving the way for upwards of 30,000 visitors to Senoia, Craige and Tigchelaar said.