Washington Road just west of Interstate 20 is rarely light on traffic, and these days a lot of construction vehicles are part of that mix as multiple construction projects are underway in a short strip of that thoroughfare.
Helms College in Vaughn Square Shopping Center, 3145 Washington Rd., Café Dulce, Chick-fil-A and Jim Hudson Automotive are among the businesses fueling the area’s growth.
“We are excited to be part of a growing area of Augusta. Updated and new restaurants and retail are always signs of a vibrant community. The expansion of Goodwill’s Augusta Campus of Helms College is a testament to the faith the community has in Goodwill and our mission of changing lives one career at a time,” said Jim Stiff, President of Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. “We are reinvesting back into our community through career education and training, with a goal of a sustainable workforce that will foster continued growth,”
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The 10-acre Augusta Campus will be just under 100,000 square feet upon completion, with the majority of the space dedicated to Helms College and the applied learning enterprises of Helms College, such as Edgar’s Grille and the Bakehouse. This includes the outpost Helms College Student Welcome Center to be completed by mid-September.
The college is open now, but many additions are planned for the expansion.
Stiff said, “We are open now, as we just began summer classes for Helms College and are recruiting for the October quarter. Future student cohorts will be able to enjoy a new student commons area beginning in late fall. Prospective students will be greeted at the Welcome Center next month.”
Helms College’s commercial bakery, which will be an additional applied learning venue for their School of Hospitality Baking and Pastry Students, should be open by Thanksgiving.
The college is also investing in the high-growth health and IT areas.
Helms and Goodwill have been located on Washington Road for many years. The new kid on the block is Café Dulce, which will bring Whit’s Frozen Custard and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee together in one location.
Whit’s Frozen Custard features freshly made frozen custard and will have sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and something called a Whitser, a special custard creation. They will also have traditional flavors such as vanilla or chocolate or weekly or daily flavors. In their to-go freezer, they will have another treat called Whitties, frozen custard sandwiches made with cookies baked fresh in their store, quarts, cakes and take-home treats, according to Whit’s Frozen Custard website.
“We at Café Dulce are committed to the growth of the Augusta Community since we are natives and transplants raising our families here. The I-20 and Washington Road corridor is one of the major gateways to our beautiful city and hosts people from all over the world. Because of this we feel it is important for this area to showcase the real Augusta,” said William (“Bill”) Leisey, co-owner of Café Dulce on 3118 Washington Rd.
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The building will feature a 1,205-quare-foot dining area split between two levels and a covered outdoor patio. The building is close to completion with a projected opening date in mid-September — barring any construction delays.
“We are excited to bring these great organizations to Augusta because we believe in the missions of both companies, and we believe the public will want to support the missions as well, Leisey said.
Chick-fil-A began work on its expanded facility in the spring when both the chicken restaurant building and the neighboring Mi Rancho were torn down to make way for an expanded location.
“It’s our pleasure to confirm we will be reopening Chick-fil-A Washington Road in November 2022,” according to a statement from the Chick-fil-A corporate office. “The remodel will feature updates to the drive-thru and interior dining space to create the best possible experience for our guests. The new site will also include additional parking space that was previously occupied by the restaurant next door.”
And it will feature a windowless drive-thru.
The Jim Hudson Auto group was contacted about the visible expansion of their auto lots on Washington Rd. but did not return emails or calls.
In September 2021, the Augusta Commission voted a rezoning request for a piece of property on 3140 Washington Rd. and 107 Warren Rd. from one-family residential to general business. The zoning change would cover 4.47 acres. A sign on the site indicates the coming of the Jim Hudson Automotive Group.
Ron Baxley Jr. is a correspondent for The Augusta Press.
