Roswell Town Center... It Needs to go

This is the seventh post in a series of posts this December that will chronicle the 25 things we would most like to see in Roswell. None of these are actually happening... at least in the way we'd like them to. Please enjoy and have a happy holidays!

 

I do understand that it has had a recent resurgence in leasing with the Aurora Cineplex and a couple other tenants.  However, that doesn't change the fact that the 'Town Center' is an aging strip center based on a 1970's-80's business model of locating big-box retail at the can't-miss intersection.  Additionally across Holcomb Bridge from our Town Center is the aptly named Roswell Village.  Neither of these places even closely resemble a true town center or village.  About the only redeeming quality of that intersection is Stoney River's legendary steaks.  Maybe we should do something about that.

If I had my way, The entire area at the intersection of 9 and Holcomb Bridge/Crossville would be completely re-done with the creation of a neighborhood node.  I would line the two main roads in office/retail that is brought up to the street and radiate a mix of uses including a strong residential piece.  A key would be to make it a regional transit hub that would provide express service to MARTA (or ARTSY, see previous post).  

We might even be able to incorporate a major employer or two in the area and also keep the entertainment businesses that are currently there.  The possibilities are endless for that area but it it's current form, it's a relic of a development pattern that on life support.  The sooner we realize this and start looking at alternatives, the better.