#CantonForward LCI

Details:

Client: City of Canton

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Status: Completed in 2016

Highlights:

  • Master Plan for downtown and historic River Mill district
  • Extensive outreach process engaged those that don’t normally attend public meetings
  • Implementation plan to guide Canton’s future development and public enhancements

Description:

The #CantonForward LCI plan is a Downtown Master Plan for Canton, Georgia that focuses on several key areas to revitalize the city’s downtown and enhance its connection to the Etowah River. The plan’s main goal is to link the historic downtown to the Etowah River, rehabilitate historic mill buildings with new uses, encourage contextual infill housing, and strengthen existing businesses while attracting new businesses and development.

The planning process for the #CantonForward plan began with a detailed review of previous planning efforts, including the 2001 River Mill Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) plan, for which this effort was the 10-year update. TSW, an architectural and planning firm, then analyzed current data to get a better understanding of what Canton looks like today and the potential for its future.

To gather input from the community, TSW incorporated an extensive outreach program that included not only typical public meetings, but also activity booths at community events such as the Share Your Care event, RiverFest, and Rockin’ The River concert/festival. The firm also conducted an online survey, a Community Workshop with numerous focus tables, and an Open House to gather feedback on the Draft Plan.

The resulting #CantonForward LCI plan is a comprehensive guide for the character of redevelopment in Canton. It includes detailed concept plans for the River Mill District and Downtown areas, as well as policy and project recommendations for how to convert the existing one-way streets downtown back to two-way, create a multi-use trail to the river, build on the momentum in the arts community, enhance public gathering spaces, strengthen historic preservation, and grow the economy. An implementation plan outlines project priorities, phasing, and funding strategies, that will help to ensure that the plan is executed successfully.

Overall, the #CantonForward LCI plan is a comprehensive and community-driven plan that provides a clear vision for the future of Canton’s downtown area. The plan’s focus on revitalizing the city’s historic downtown, enhancing its connection to the Etowah River, and strengthening the local economy will help to ensure a bright future for the city.