Heart of Locust Grove Redevelopment Plan RFP

Henry County, Georgia, is experiencing rapid urbanization, with the City of Locust Grove at the forefront of this growth. Over the past two decades, Locust Grove has transformed significantly, expanding its land area by over 600% and its population by nearly 400%. This remarkable growth has brought new opportunities and challenges, particularly in maintaining the historic downtown's economic and cultural vitality.

In early 2024, the Locust Grove City Council took a bold step by acquiring over 8 acres in the heart of downtown. This acquisition aims to catalyze the redevelopment of the "Heart of Locust Grove" through a public-private partnership. The vision is to create a vibrant Live-Work-Play environment that embodies the "15-Minute City[1]" experience, where residents can access essential services and amenities within a short walk or bike ride.

Executive Summary

The City of Locust Grove is seeking a qualified consultant to lead the redevelopment of a key downtown area. This project encompasses over 8 acres, with potential expansion to nearly 15 acres, and aims to transform the area into a dynamic mixed-use development. The selected consultant will work closely with city officials, stakeholders, and the community to develop a comprehensive master plan that includes new retail, restaurant, office, and residential spaces, as well as public spaces that encourage community gathering. Such recent examples in our region include “The Grove at Towne Center” in Snellville, GA; Powder Springs Downtown; Suwanee Town Center; Cumming City Center; New Downtown Fayetteville, GA; and Downtown Duluth, GA just to name a few.

The culmination of this will be a detailed set of drawings and a memorializing document to make necessary changes to the city’s codes to facilitate implementation of the plan and provide a framework for surrounding properties not under municipal control that can develop in a manner complementary to the overall vision for the area.

Key Objectives:

• Develop a master plan that integrates residential and nonresidential uses to create a lively downtown experience. Use of the City’s prior LCI for the downtown area may be a useful starting point for this endeavor.
• Ensure the project aligns with the city's vision of a Live-Work-Play environment and the "15-minute City" concept.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including the Downtown Development Authority and the Locust Grove Historic Preservation Commission, to ensure the project meets community needs and expectations.
• Provide recommendations for site development, including public spaces, roadways, parking, and utilities.
• Assist in developing a project budget and phasing plan to ensure organized and orderly implementation.

Call to Action

We invite experienced consultants to submit their proposals for this transformative project. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Locust Grove and contribute to the creation of a vibrant, sustainable community. Join us in making the “Heart of Locust Grove” a model for urban redevelopment for Henry County and Atlanta’s Southside.