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Hampton getting a new look |
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New streetscape project nears completion with more to come | ||||||
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By Jimmy Cochran Editor
Big changes are taking place in Hampton these days. The quiet little town is now filled with the sounds of construction, jackhammers, saws, and concrete trucks. The streetscape project is nearing completion which Hampton Better Hometown Manager, Patti Battle, is excited to see coming into place. “The new sidewalks and bricks being laid are making a big difference in how the historic part of Hampton downtown is going to look,” says Battle. “Along with these changes, the storefronts are undergoing renovation and will reflect the consistency of historic Hampton. Even some of the newer buildings will have a facade to appear more like the old town.” Bricks are being laid which have been bought in honor or memory of people. Sections of the brickwork will be on the storefront side, as well as the railroad side, all with new landscaping and plantings. Bricks are still available for purchase for $25 through the Downtown Development Authority and room is being left for future sales. “We are in talks now with a coffee shop to come into a vacant space so that the town will have a place to gather and relax,” says Battle. “A good gathering place, like a coffee shop, seems to be a key ingredient to many other city’s successful downtown revitalization projects and we think it will be a benefit to Hampton.” Strolling down the street where the new sidewalks are going in, you pass the old Edna Earl Hotel. New lofts are built on the second floor with a spectacular view of all areas of the city. The downstairs is available for a business and possibly another living area, if the buyer wishes. This renovation from single to multi-use facilities is being done to a number of the buildings in the historic area. Battle sees her role as key in recruiting new businesses for downtown Hampton and helping the current storeowners with renovations by helping obtain funding through private donations and grants. “The community is very excited to see this new streetscape. We are all wanting to bring a good business balance to the area by getting any of the empty retail spaces quickly filled by shops our citizens want, need, and will enjoy. Progress is inevitable, my job is to make sure it is quality progress, ” said Battle. The ultimate goal is to make the city a very walkable downtown area with the Depot as the cultural hub of activities. There is currently an Art Series running at the Depot through the Fall. There are exhibits and classes available for the public in painting, photography, T-shirt quilting, drawing, and others. Wells Fargo will be teaching classes later in the year about the process of buying a home. Battle is also pleased about a growing favorable relationship with the Atlanta Motor Speedway. “We will be working toward cooperative events in coming months,” she tells. Hampton is on the brink of becoming a Main Street Community which will continue to benefit the community. With Patti Battle’s background in Real Estate, the backing of the Hampton Administration and Council, and the enthusiasm of the community many good things will be seen happening in the city of Hampton in the future. | ||||||
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