Times flies, and it may be hard to believe, but Memorial Day will mark eight years since the roof of the old poolroom on the 110 block of South Wayne Street collapsed, thus creating an eyesore downtown that’s been hard to miss ever since.
Now, however, the old property will be brought back to life, as construction is set to begin next week on an open plaza and two storefront locations.
Open plazas in between downtown buildings have become increasingly common in the last few decades, all part of the greater revitalization of American downtowns. Downtown Greensboro has one, and Jackson Street Park in Dublin has become a big hit.
Ultimately, the plan is for the open plaza to be bookended by a microbrewery on one side and a yet-to-be-determined business on the other. Mike Couch, one of the project developers, said the location would be perfect for a “wine store, maybe with charcuterie boards” or a business office.
The new-look property will have access from both Wayne Street and the parking lot behind the building, and will feature planters and a garden feel. The plaza and garden area will be named in honor of Faye Little, a Milledgeville woman who passed away in 2024.
Work around the property, at 107-115 South Wayne Street, actually began in early 2024, when the remains of the old poolroom were hauled off, and the foundation was removed all the way down to the dirt.