West Jackson Streetscape

Through a public engagement process that began in 2017, citizens, business owners and members of the community came together to contribute their ideas to the development of a streetscape plan for this downtown area. The project focused on the area of West Jackson Street from Madison Street to Remington Avenue at the railroad crossing.

The final plan, which was shaped by public input, was formally endorsed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Main Street Advisory Board and was presented to the Thomasville City Council for formal vote in April 2019.

Questions and comments can be directed to April Norton, Main Street Director, at (229) 227-7020.

Click here to view the detailed plan for the West Jackson Streetscape Improvements.

Project Updates

January 26, 2020 – Thomasville was among nine cities from across Georgia that received the inaugural Visionary City Award presented by Georgia Trend magazine and the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) during the association’s Cities United Summit in Atlanta on Sunday, January 26. 2020. Thomasville was recognized in the medium-sized city category, representing populations from 5,000-24,999. Based in Atlanta, GMA is a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides legislative advocacy, research, training, employee benefit and technical consulting services to its 538 member cities.

Thomasville was recognized for the Creative District Vision Plan and redevelopment of “The Bottom” historic downtown area. The Creative District Vision Plan was put in place in 2014 by Thomasville Main Street leadership, City Planning staff, Thomasville residents and community partners and leaders.

The Creative District Vision Plan was targeted at increasing economic opportunity, revitalizing the historic area, and bringing creative community resources together in this important segment of downtown Thomasville. From this initial plan, three important projects were developed, including The Ritz Amphitheater and Park, the Community Trail trailhead and finally, the West Jackson Streetscape.

Collaborative efforts were a critical aspect of the award criteria, with the winning cities demonstrating cross-sector partnerships amongst local government, nonprofits, and civic engagement.

Click below to view a video that highlights the vision and implementation of the Creative District Plan in Downtown Thomasville.

November 25, 2019 – We're excited to announce that West Jackson Street is now open to vehicular traffic! Street repairs and installation of the median were completed at the end of last week.

Striping of the street and parallel parking places will take place beginning tonight. The trunks of the trees were wrapped with holiday lights over the weekend, so West Jackson Street will soon be filled with holiday cheer! The final pressure washing of the businesses in the 200 and 300 blocks of West Jackson Street will be performed on Sunday, December 8th.

As we get to the end of the streetscape project, we would like to thank our merchants, property owners and citizens for their patience during construction. We've heard lots of good feedback from many of you and the West Jackson Streetscape is something our whole community can be proud of for many years to come!

We thought you might enjoying seeing a few before and after photos.

Thank you to everyone that came to the Ribbon Cutting on November 15th. We appreciate that a little misty rain and cold didn't deter you from attending the event.

November 8, 2019 - As the construction of the West Jackson Streetscape is nearing completion, progress on the project has been moving at a extremely fast pace this week. Striping on the bricks is being removed using a sand and glass mixture.

Cleaning of the historic granite curbing has also begun and will be finished overnight on Monday, November 11th. Both the 200 and 300 blocks of West Jackson Street will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning Monday at 11:00 pm and the 200 block will re-open to vehicular traffic before 7:00 am on Tuesday.

Bricks have been removed where the median will be constructed. Cement will be poured to form the median this weekend. Irrigation for the trees and plantings in the median and conduit for street lights in the median will also be installed.

Landscaping in both the 200 and 300 block of West Jackson Street was installed today and will continue next week. Bark will be placed in the planting beds to cover the irrigation pipes.

It's hard to believe the end of the streetscape project is almost here! Please join us next Friday for a Ribbon Cutting for the West Jackson Streetscape. There will be an opening presentation at The Ritz Amphitheater beginning at 9:15 am. The ribbon cutting will follow at the intersection of West Jackson Street and Stevens Street.

November 4, 2019 – The 300 block of West Jackson Street will be closed beginning November 5th at 7:00 a.m. from North Stevens Street to Remington Avenue while road construction and installation of a median are completed. (See the map below for the detour route.) Businesses will remain open and have front-door access for customers. The road closure is expected to last approximately one and one-half weeks.

There is a lot happening as we approach the final weeks of the West Jackson Streetscape Project. In addition to road construction around the area of the Oak Street intersection and the installation of the median in front of Prime Time Hair Care, tree grates are being installed at the base of the trees, electric boxes are being installed near the base of the trees (be on the lookout for the fabulous programming on West Jackson Street at Victorian Christmas) and more sidewalks are being formed and poured near Lee Street. The granite curbing is being cleaned and the existing striping is being removed at night.

It's hard to believe the end of the streetscape is almost here! Thank you to each of our merchants and property owners for your patience during construction. It looks absolutely beautiful!

October 21, 2019 – Construction has continued on the south side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street over the last few weeks. Two new pedestrian crossings have been installed in front of Trinity Anglican Church, new street lights have been installed (if you haven't seen them at night, we urge you to take a stroll or drive through the area) and the new High Rise Oak trees have been installed.

Construction has begun on the north side (outbound lane) of the 300 block of West Jackson Street. The north side of West Jackson Street will be closed from North Stevens Street to Lee Street while pedestrian crossings and sidewalks are being installed. The work is expected to last approximately two weeks. See detour map below.

Businesses will remain open and will continue to have front door access for customers. One-way vehicular traffic and on-street parking are available on the south side (inbound lane) of West Jackson Street. The private parking lot behind Fresenius Kidney Care can be accessed from North Stevens Street.

October 4, 2019 – It's been a busy week on the south side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street. The sidewalk installation and installation of the new street lights has been completed. The historic granite curbing has been re-installed and the re-installation of the historic bricks in the street will be completed early next week. Once this work has been completed, the inbound lane of West Jackson Street will re-open to vehicular traffic. (For those of you wondering what the large dirt patches in the sidewalk are for...that's where the new Highrise Oak trees will be planted.)

Construction will begin on the north side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street (in front of Leap Frogz) beginning early to mid-week next week. Once construction begins, the north side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Stevens Street to Remington Avenue (see detour map below).

September 27, 2019 – Earlier this week, two way traffic in the 200 block of West Jackson Street was opened back up to vehicular traffic. From North Stevens Street, vehicular traffic can turn left onto the 200 block of West Jackson Street and right onto the 300 block of West Jackson Street. On-street parking is now available on both sides of the 200 block of West Jackson Street.

Sidewalk construction continued this week on the south side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street. The inner portion of the sidewalk (the side closest to Trinity Anglican Church, Prime Time Hair Care & Arcade and Chanel Essence Boutique) will be completed down to Remington Avenue today. The outer portion of the sidewalk (the side closest to West Jackson Street) has been completed from Stevens Street to Trinity Anglican Church. The remaining outer portion will be completed early next week.

Repairs to the intersection of West Jackson Street and Oak Street will take place mid-week next week and construction of the sidewalks on the north side of the 300 block in front of Leap Frogz will begin mid to late next week. We will send out a detour route with map and construction schedule for the intersection work early next week.

September 13, 2019 – This week, construction of the sidewalks on the south side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street continued, and they are now about 70% complete. Over the next couple of weeks, construction of the sidewalks on the south side of the 300 block will be completed. Construction on the remaining section of the north side of the 300 block (in front of Leap Frogz) will then begin.

The sandy/dirt areas in the sidewalks are where the new High Rise Oaks will be planted in the coming weeks.

September 6, 2019 – Sidewalk installation has begun on the south side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street. The construction crews will have the dirt compacted and safe for pedestrian traffic to enter Trinity Anglican Church from West Jackson Street on Sunday.

The mid-block crossing in the 200 block of West Jackson Street was completed last weekend.

The lighting for the commemorative wall was installed on Friday. This type of lighting allows for a broader spread of light to shine on the wall at night.

Handrails were installed between Element Style Bar and Davis Shoe Repair and between Waldrep's Service Cleaners and Kreamkles. The grade of the sidewalk in these 2 areas is a little steeper than the rest of the north side of the 200 block. The handrails provide additional safety for pedestrians.

August 23, 2019 – The sidewalks on the south side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street have been poured and the decorative pavers are being installed today. The historic bricks are being re-installed on the street today and tomorrow.

The new decorative street lights will be installed on Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27 of next week and the new trees will be installed on Wednesday, August 28.

Construction will begin on the south side of the 300 block on September 3rd.

West Jackson Street from Madison Street to Stevens Street will be closed beginning Saturday, August 31 at 5:00 am through the morning of Monday, September 2 to install the mid-block pedestrian crossing in the 200 block of West Jackson Street.

August 9, 2019 – The new decorative railings for the retaining wall on the north side of the 200 block have been installed and they look fabulous! The installation of the railing really highlights how great West Jackson Street is going to look once construction is complete! Everyone is excited about the new streetscape and we've heard nothing but great things about the work that has been completed to date. New sidewalk and street improvements are on schedule on the south side of the 300 block. Work will continue tomorrow (Saturday, August 10th).

Listed below is the schedule for the remaining sections of the south side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street:

Section 3: Week of August 12 - The area in front of Empire Bagel through the future Three Toms Tavern
Section 4: Week of August 19 - The area in front of Smith Collective to the end of the construction area near Madison Street

August 2, 2019 – Good afternoon! Construction on the south side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street has begun. The sidewalk and road improvements on the south side will be completed in sections. Section 1 is being completed this week and it includes the area in front of Live Young and up to Hubs & Hops. The sidewalk in this section will be completed this afternoon (and ready for the Sip and Stroll tonight!).

Listed below is the schedule for the remaining sections:

Section 2: Week of August 5 - The area in front of Hubs and Hops through Fuzzy Goat
Section 3: Week of August 12 - The area in front of Empire Bagel through the future Three Toms Tavern
Section 4: Week of August 19 - The area in front of Smith Collective to the end of the construction area near Madison Street

July 26, 2019 – Good afternoon! A lot has been happening this week on the West Jackson Streetscape project.

Installation of the new street lights has been completed on the north side of the 200 block and they are beautiful (and nice and bright).
Benches and trash receptacles have been put back in place on the north side of the 200 block.
The decorative railing for the retaining wall is expected to be installed next week.
The brick street re-installation is complete.
Temporary safety measures for the tree boxes will be installed until the decorative tree grates arrive and are installed.
The mid-block ramp will remain closed for the time being until the crosswalk has been constructed.
Asphalt is expected to be poured connecting Madison Street to the historic brick pavers of West Jackson Street on Monday.
Construction crews will pressure wash the fronts of the businesses on the north side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street on Sunday, July 28^th.

Vehicular traffic will change lanes beginning midday on Monday, July 29^th.

Inbound traffic will be detoured around Remington Avenue. The north side of Stevens Street will also be re-opened to vehicular traffic (traffic will have to turn right onto West Jackson Street). On-street parking on the north side of West Jackson Street will also be available on Monday once the street is re-opened to vehicular traffic.

South Stevens Street will be closed from the intersection of West Jackson Street down the side of Live Young but the Trinity Anglican Church parking lots can still be accessed from Remington Avenue. The detour map is shown below.

July 12, 2019 – Progress continues this week on our Streetscape Project. On the north side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street, sidewalks are almost complete and are now tied into Madison Street. Only a small amount of brick inlay work remains. Concrete will soon be poured between the granite curbing and retaining wall. Work continues at the mid-block crosswalk, steps are being installed, and grading has begun. As additional street grading takes place, extra dirt will be removed, making the street look much cleaner, and historic brick pavers will be re-installed.

On the north side of the 300 block of West Jackson Street, seven new trees have been installed. This type of live oak tree will grow upward instead of outward but still supply shade to the sidewalks.

June 14, 2019 – Now ending its seventh week of construction, the West Jackson Streetscape Project continues to be on schedule for completion in November. In the last several weeks, several exciting aspects of construction have been occurring. Some of the highlights are listed below:

The first tree root saver system was installed on the north side of West Jackson Street. The system is designed to extend the life of the trees that will be planted during the Streetscape Project. The system also keeps the roots of the trees from buckling the sidewalks and streets as they grow.
The driveway out of the parking lot at the corner of Stevens Street and West Jackson Street has been completed and vehicular traffic can now turn left out of the lot onto West Jackson Street.
The construction of the large commemorative wall is 99% complete and construction of the smaller decorative wall has begun.
Construction of the retaining wall for the sidewalk on the north side of the 200 block of West Jackson Street has begun.
In the 300 block of West Jackson Street, preparation for the base of the sidewalk and installation of the irrigation lines is underway.

May 28, 2019 – The second phase of the detour plan for the West Jackson Streetscape project in The Bottom District of Downtown Thomasville began on May 29, 2019. This phase of construction will allow inbound (eastbound) traffic from West Jackson Street to Madison Street. There will also be on-street parking available on the south side of West Jackson Street. The businesses within the Streetscape project area will all be open throughout all phases of construction and all businesses will have front door access for their customers. The anticipated length of time for this detour plan is four to five weeks. A copy of the detour map is below:

May 1, 2019 – Construction on the West Jackson Streetscape project began on April 29, 2019. Things are moving at an accelerated rate. Water main and storm water improvements have begun on the north side of the 200 and 300 blocks of West Jackson Street. Currently there are detours in place from Madison Street to Jefferson Street to Lee Street. Follow the Customer Access and Customer Parking signage to direct you to the West Jackson Street businesses. Pedestrian access and front door business access is available and will remain available throughout the entire project. Please continue to support our West Jackson Street small businesses.

April 2019 – On April 8, 2019, the Thomasville City Council approved and awarded a bid for construction of The Bottom District’s West Jackson Streetscape project to CCH construction. The first phase of construction will begin on Monday, April 29, 2019. The first phase of the project will be the intersection of Stevens Street and West Jackson Street. This phase will be the only portion of the project that will require a complete closing of West Jackson Street. Unfortunately, there is no other way to complete the construction of this intersection without closing the intersection to vehicular traffic. It is important to start the construction in this area so that the historic brick pavers can be used for the completion of other areas of preservation in this improvement project. The anticipated length of time this intersection will be closed is three to four weeks. A copy of the detour map is pictured below:

March 2019 – The Main Street Advisory Board for the City of Thomasville formally adopted a resolution to present to the Thomasville City Council in support of The Bottom District’s West Jackson Streetscape project. Thomasville’s Planning and Zoning Commission also approved the West Jackson Streetscape project and recommended the project be presented to the Thomasville City Council.

February 2019 – Public sessions were held for both the community and merchants and property owners to provide an update on the project, discuss the construction time frame and answer questions.

Winter 2018/2019 – During the winter months of late 2018/early 2019, staff worked diligently to prepare the detailed engineering plans and timelines and refined all concepts based on public input. These detailed plans were a crucial step in making this project ready to present for bids for construction of the project.

Summer 2018 – In preparation for this project, City of Thomasville Utilities began relocation of overhead utility lines and other precursory utility improvements. The Thomasville City Council approved a contract for professional services on July 23, 2018.

February & April 2018 – City of Thomasville staff provided a project updates to the Thomasville City Council on February 2, 2018 and April 4, 2018.

December 2017 – The concept design was presented and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission on December 4, 2017. The Thomasville City Council approved the concept design on December 11, 2017.

November 2017 – After months of engaging with community members and actively listening to their ideas and concerns, a concept for the West Jackson Streetscape project has finally emerged. The City’s primary goal with this project has been to set a new precedent for soliciting public input regarding major projects. The conceptual plan, which will enhance this vibrant area of downtown Thomasville, was unveiled to a crowd of over sixty community members at an open meeting Monday, November 20 at Trinity Anglican Church. Thomasville residents will have an additional chance to offer feedback during an upcoming Planning & Zoning meeting where the concept design will be reviewed by the Commission and a recommendation to City Council considered. The Planning & Zoning meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4 at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at 144 East Jackson Street. To review this conceptual plan, please click here.

October 2017 – Two Discovery Walks were recently held to gain public input for the West Jackson Streetscape project area. Great input was received from the community. Below are pictures from the event:

August 2017 – To view a video about the project, please click here.