North Augusta council members at the April 11 study session got a look at updated renderings for the new public safety headquarters being built at Georgia and Observatory Avenues.
City Administrator Jim Clifford presented council members with an updated elevation plan and site plan. He said he wants to propose a resolution for council’s approval at the April 18 meeting that will be the next step in moving forward in the bidding process.
Clifford said some of the revisions are the result of citizen input the city has received on the project.
“The No. 1 piece of feedback was that the previous drawings looked incomplete on the left side of the building, so the building looked unbalanced. I believe the architects have addressed that issue with the addition of roofing element, as well as architectural rail and columns,” he said, adding the columns will be a Georgian design, based on recommendations from the citizens and historical society.
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The updated site plan showed the addition of an entrance off Georgia Avenue. The previous design had entrances on Butler and Observatory Avenues. It also showed the building is set back a little farther from the property line.
“It provides an overlook for a potential future memorial and still maintaining the two legacy buildings on Observatory Avenue,” Clifford said. “Also leaving room for future expansion because ultimately, the council’s guidance to the staff really came down to make sure that you have expansion capability on the site and also maintain the buildings that are currently on the site that are on Observatory. And this site plan does both of those things.”
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The historic buildings on the Flythe/Seven Gables property were part of a hunting lodge built by North Augusta’s founder, James U. Jackson. The lodge supported visitors to another Jackson property, the Hampton Terrace Hotel, which was lost in a 1916 fire. Historic North Augusta and the Punch and Judy Theater have both expressed interest in restoring and using the two structures.
Originally, the plan was to build on East Buena Vista Avenue near the current headquarters, but since the plan was presented to council in September 2020, site and construction cost estimates increased by about $850,000 more than the location on Georgia Avenue.
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- North Augusta tourism website possible logo. Courtesy City of North Augusta.
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- North Augusta tourism website possible logo. Courtesy City of North Augusta.
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- North Augusta tourism website possible logo. Courtesy City of North Augusta.
Council members also got their first look at three possible logos for the new website focused on tourism that is being built for the city.
“We’ll be making the decision on the logo by the end of the week so that we can continue to move forward. We are on track with the website getting it launched in June,” said assistant administrator Rachelle Moody. “I can also email these to you as well so you can take a look and if you want to provide comments. I’m carrying my sheets around and getting everybody’s opinion.
Council members had selected an Arizona company to build and host the new website. Madden Preprint Media, LLC is based in Tucson, Ariz.
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The contract caps total project costs at $50,000. That will cover website design and development, the initial year of hosting and maintenance, brand development and designing a logo.
Moody said the staff is also continuing to work on the event being held June 4 on the Savannah River. Registration opened April 13 for anyone who wants to participate in a canoe, kayak or build-your-own raft. Register at: www.eventbrite.com/e/290394055437
Mayor Briton Williams first proposed developing an event on the river during a July 2021 council meeting.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a general assignment reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
