Lofts, retail space coming to Downtown Cordele

CORDELE, GA (WALB) -

Abandoned rooms above the "Fancy Stitchin' Building" on 7th Street will soon be turned into loft style apartments.

That's because Cordele was one of several cities in its region chosen to be a part of the state's BoomTown project, an initiative intended to create jobs created through revitalization.

"I think it's a pretty good idea. Anytime you can bring anything to a small town downtown, it can pick it up a little bit and bring traffic to the downtown area," said resident Kyle Davis.

Two buildings in Cordele will be revitalized, one for retail space and the other is being turned into lofts in anticipation of new Darton State College students coming to a planned satellite campus in Cordele.

One nearby business owner says he can't wait to see the project get underway.

"I expect an increase in my business as a result of that, not only with my martial arts, but also with my vitamin sales and kickboxing classes. I expect a lot of growth from that," said GTC Gym owner Arthur Jackson.

With renovations coming to downtown Cordele, so are job opportunities.

"It would mean jobs for carpenters, construction people and things of that nature. Not to mention you have to furnish property, so your local furniture (will benefit)," said Cordele Main Street Director Monica Mitchell.

"It's not really attractive down here right now, but with the college coming to town, I think if you put some lofts downtown that will definitely pick up the area," said Davis.

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Lofts, retail space coming to Downtown Cordele