Press Room
November 7th, 2024
Grady Newsource
College Square Plaza Redevelopment And UGA’s North Campus Connection
The plaza is a central hub in downtown Athens. It has become a popular spot among locals since the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city transformed College Ave. into a pedestrian-only space. Now, planners have set the area for a redesign that will incorporate modern updates consistent with the appeal of the University of Georgia’s north campus.
September 19th, 2024
Athens Politics Nerd
College Square, redesigned
The concept includes additional trees, better seating, a wider pedestrian-focused public space and design elements that serve to connect College Square to the UGA Arch and city hall.
September 18th, 2024
Flagpole
ADDA Pitches a College Square Glow-Up to the Athens-Clarke Commission
“This is a badly needed project that the downtown community wants to see move forward,” ADDA Director of Planning and Outreach David Lynn told commissioners at a Sept. 10 work session presentation. “We’re willing to write the check.”
September 13th, 2024
The Red and Black
ACC Mayor and Commission review proposed College Square redesign and more
Capital Projects Director Josh Hawkins and David Lynn of the Athens Downtown Development Authority presented a new concept plan for College Square, the segment of College Avenue between Broad and East Clayton streets that has been permanently closed to traffic since 2020.
April 7th, 2021
Athens Politics Nerd
College Square will stay closed
to car traffic permanently
This section of downtown, known as College Square, has been closed to car traffic since late last summer to provide more outdoor seating space during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiment has been a huge success, providing downtown shops with extra business while not significantly affecting traffic in the area, according to a traffic study done by the ACC Transportation and Public Works department.
December 17th, 2024
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
College Square revamp to create ‘handshake’ between the arch at UGA and Downtown Athens
The plan calls for a multimillion-dollar transformation of College Square, the section of College Avenue between the arch and City Hall. Brick pavers will replace asphalt. Outdoor seating will increase. Trees will be added to mimic the feel of nearby old campus.
January 12th, 2025
The Red & Black
Everything you need to know about the Athens College Square Plaza redevelopment
College Square Plaza is one of the areas that draws Athens residents and tourists alike to downtown. By improving the square, ACCGov hopes to “foster new economic activity, jobs and cultural experiences” in downtown Athens.
June 27th, 2026
WUGA
College Square construction project seeks to bring pedestrian accessibility and beautification to downtown Athens
College Square is the pedestrian area across from the iconic UGA Arch, stretching from East Broad Street to East Clayton Street. It’s an Athens landmark in its own right, marking the junction between downtown Athens and the UGA campus. And, as anyone who’s been downtown lately can tell you, the area is under long-term construction.
David Lynn, the Director of Planning and Outreach for the Athens Downtown Development Authority, sat down with WUGA’s Emma Auer to discuss the project.
February 16th, 2026
11Alive
Dramatic redesign set for iconic square in downtown Athens
The most visited block in downtown Athens is set for a major transformation and dramatic redesign aimed at creating a more vibrant, pedestrian-focused public space.
February 11th, 2026
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Downtown Athens gateway breaks ground, opening timed for UGA football season
For decades, downtown Athens has lacked a true central gathering spot, according to David Lynn, director of planning and outreach for the Athens Downtown Development Authority. The project is expected to enhance the game-day experience and year-round foot traffic, giving the Classic City a more unified, pedestrian-friendly heart.
February 11th, 2026
The Red & Black
New long-term redesign of College Square underway downtown
Construction on the project began on Jan. 28 and is envisioned to transform College Square, located between East Broad Street and East Clayton Street, into a people-centered public open space. Substantial completion of the redesign project is expected to take eight months, with the space being open prior to the first University of Georgia home football game on Sept. 5 and final completion expected by October 2026..
September 21st, 2026
The Red & Black
Athens redesigns downtown college square
College Square has been redesigned into an unmissable part of downtown Athens. The pedestrian plaza along College Avenue between East Broad and East Clayton Street will celebrate its Grand Opening Oct. 24 with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m.