Gateways to the Future

The City of Canton is embarking on two transformative gateway projects that will help shape the future of our downtown: the Hickory Flat Highway Gateway and the North Street Gateway Redevelopment Projects.

These initiatives reflect the ongoing collaboration between the City, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Cherokee County, and other partners. More importantly, they align directly with the priorities outlined in our Roadmap for Success, including improving infrastructure for future demands, enhancing historic downtown Canton, advancing regional economic success, creating great neighborhoods, celebrating the diversity of our community, connecting citizens to parks and trails, and others.

These ambitious projects are designed not just for today, but for generations to come.

When I moved my business to Canton in 1996, I immediately noticed the challenges at Exit 16 and Hickory Flat Highway. This corridor is Canton's primary GPS-directed gateway and often the first impression visitors and prospective businesses receive. It's also the main entrance to Sunnyside, a culturally significant neighborhood rich in history and diversity. Despite its importance, the area has long suffered from underinvestment. Since being elected in 2014, I've made it a priority to change that.

Hickory Flat Highway Gateway Project
This project centers on replacing the aging bridge over Canton Creek, which is an essential entrance to downtown. To support this critical infrastructure upgrade, the DDA acquired the Canton Village Shopping Center in 2023. This strategic move allows us to realign Marietta Road and build the new bridge while keeping the current one open to maintain traffic flow. We are also adding a pedestrian bridge to ensure safe, walkable access in the area. Additional improvements will include new mixed-use developments, expanded retail, housing, and enhanced parks and recreational areas.

North Street Gateway Project
This project will address multiple needs coming into downtown from Exit 19. By purchasing property from the entrance of North Street to the Justice Center, the City and DDA can now shape development thoughtfully. Instead of a massive parking deck dominating the landscape, the plan calls for street-level retail, a concealed parking structure to serve both the Justice Center expansion and downtown visitors, and new residential and office space above. The concept also includes expanded community green space and a potential boutique hotel. These improvements are made possible through the county's investment in our downtown Tax Allocation District (TAD), which stretches from Hickory Flat Highway through downtown and into adjacent historic neighborhoods.

Funded by TAD and SPLOST, these projects ensure that reinvestment in critical corridors will benefit our current residents and businesses while preserving and enhancing the character of the Coolest Small Town in America.