The new courthouse will be built across from the current one on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. The project also calls for a new detention center and is expected to be completed in 2015. Demolition on the current buildings begins later this month.
In October, Forsyth County Commissioners approved going with a "town green" concept for the design.
The new look for the five-story tall courthouse creates a large landscaped green space in the middle of the city.
This green space concept will serve as the entry for the building and as a gathering place for the community, which is crucial in Cumming.
The plans also call for two parking garages, which will likely help boost development to the area. Parking is usually a major concern for developers.
town green design (click for larger version)
Right now, the only places locals gather are at shopping plazas and parks, but if the community could gather in downtown Cumming, it may inspire businesses to locate there, too.
With businesses opening in downtown, I see a vision that includes renewed life to this neglected area. A family going for a stroll as the sun fades in the background. Young people will have a place where they can share ideas and conversations.
And what about a lively bar and grill scene that serves locally brewed cold ones and offers outdoor seating for those beautiful Forsyth nights?
Here's to wishing to a continued downtown revival. Cheers!
All I have to say is take a drive over to the square in Gainesville or Canton. Look at all the original buildings that has been remodeled. Cumming could have and should have looked like that. The new buildings could have been built away from the historic square. to late now you cant replace whats gone. Jimmy Shadburn
Cumming
I have been here since 1938. The old town square was mostly residents some had business' on the lower level. The owners rented rooms and some rented the entire building. If they still existed it would take more to bring them up to the building code than a new one cost.
There has been three major fires on the square, including two courthouses burned. Yes we could bring the old ice plant back where you could get ice for your ice box and sometimes a pint of shine
The Brannon/Heard house is an example of what was around the square. The voters made the choice. Rupert Sexton
Cumming, GA
Green space is good. But block-long, high-security buildings don't make a "walkable" space. Would you take your kid for a walk past a long brick wall with no public bathrooms or food & drink sellers. A "bar & grill scene". Where would it go? All the local cities are spending big on "city centers", but most people still go "downtown" only when expected in court. Driving Past
Johns Creek
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