MARKET CREATION PROJECT: CREATE A NEW REGIONAL, MULTI-USE OPEN SPACE DESTINATION AT THIS EASTERN EDGE OF AUGUSTA’S DOWNTOWN CORE
Sand Bar Ferry Riverside Village
Gateway-Sand Bar Ferry
G – Rendering – Sand Bar Ferry Riverside
G – Site Plan – Sand Bar Ferry Riverside
About This Project
The Big Idea: Create a new, regional, multi-use open space destination at this eastern edge of Augusta’s downtown core. Includes comprehensive redevelopment of the area north of Sand Bar Ferry Road to include a ‘New Urbanist’ village within a regional park setting, levee improvements and a waterfront park between the levee and the Savannah River. At the heart of the the concept is the development of a new residential neighborhood, replacing the distressed Underwood Homes and redeveloping Marion Homes.
Cost: $100 million private funds. $38 million public funds ( in 2009 dollars).
Time: 20 years
Details: This is a large project with many components that include three basic areas: along Sand Bar Ferry Road to the levee; atop the levee; and from the levee to the Savannah River.
Over the years, it is envisioned that this area would see new and improved roads with a Riverfront Park and levee improvements. It is also recommended that there be introduced a mixed-use community with home rentals, single family homes, town homes and village housing over retail and a park to host events and activities. Above all, the park would provide a significant passive, non-urban, soft landscape with which the neighborhood can identify. There is even room for an organic farm and for the relocation of the Exchange Club Fairgrounds.
Another component of this project is to redesign the Broad Street/Sand Bar Ferry intersection to improve the ‘gateway’ arrival from I-520 to downtown Augusta.
Progress: In 2015, a cornerstone to this Market Creation Project, the 30 acre Legacy at Walton Oaks, was completed.
While flooding remediation is being tackled, the Savannah Riverkeeper is working on educational and recreational opportunities on the Savannah River and levee at this location.
