The College Square
Redesign Project

Re-Defining Downtown Through Catalytic Public Space

College Square is the most recognizable and visited area of downtown where thousands of visitors form their first impressions of our community. Making College Square as vibrant as newly renovated Clayton Street will foster new economic activity, jobs and cultural experiences.

The College Square project will transform College Square into a people-focused public open space that supports the vitality of downtown. The new design prioritizes the pedestrian experience, enhances the connection between major destinations, and supports the flourishing entertainment district for residents, businesses, and tourists.

Project Goals

Based on its mission to improve quality of life and economic vitality in downtown Athens, the Board of Directors for the Athens Downtown Development Authority (ADDA) established three fundamental goals to guide the development and implementation of urban design, streetscape and open space improvements in downtown Athens.

  • Improve connectivity: Enhance connectivity for all modes of transportation to create linkages between downtown businesses, open space and neighborhoods.

  • Enhance character and identity: Enhance the unique character of the downtown area by implementing a streetscape plan that is both reflective of community values and increases the attractiveness of downtown to visitors.

  • Promote street life: Make improvements to downtown Athens' public spaces that raises the quality of pedestrian experience, and affords a variety of places for both passage and lingering, increase social interaction, and foster community pride.

  • Phase 1: establishes the framework of the project by reconstructing the central portion of College Avenue. This will be the most disruptive phase, as the center of the street will be closed to allow removal of existing surface elements, including pavement, landscaping, and furnishings. During this phase, major underground utility infrastructure—such as sewer, water, and stormwater systems—will be installed beneath the center of the square, creating a reliable foundation for all future work. Completing these improvements early allows subsequent phases to progress more efficiently with fewer impacts to daily activity.

  • Phases 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E: phases focus on building the new planter areas at each corner of the square. Small sections will be temporarily closed as each concrete foundation is constructed. Upon completion of concrete work, each area will reopen before work begins on the next section, limiting the duration of localized impacts.

  • Phases 2 and 3: phases shift construction closer to the adjacent buildings and storefronts. Existing walking surfaces will be removed and replaced with new paving and streetscape features. Work will be carefully coordinated to keep businesses open, with temporary walkways provided and some construction activity occurring during nights or weekends to reduce daytime impacts.

  • Phases 4 through 7: during these phases, construction will move along the corridor in smaller sections, focusing on building new pedestrian areas and public spaces. Work will progress in sequence so that parts of the street remain open and accessible at all times, allowing people to continue moving through the area while improvements take shape.

  • Phases 8 through 10: final phases bring the project together with installation of shade structures, lighting, and landscaping. These activities will be less disruptive and shorter in duration, marking the transition from construction to completion as the space takes on its final look and feel.

Construction Phasing

Sheridan is proud to invest in downtown Athens and is committed to delivering improvements that strengthen the community while keeping College Avenue open for business. We understand that local businesses are the heart of this district, and maintaining access, visibility, and day-to-day operations throughout construction is a top priority. The project is being carefully phased to minimize disruption, and Sheridan will have a dedicated community liaison whose sole focus is keeping businesses informed about upcoming construction activities, schedules, and access changes. Our goal is to deliver lasting improvements while supporting the businesses that make Athens thrive.

Meet the Team

Meet the individuals working tirelessly to shape our community and push the boundaries of what it can become.

Sheridan Construction

Alex Tinsley

Project Director

Jacob Gooch

Project Manager
Project Manager

Hunter Roberson

Community Liaison

Jolaine Whitehead

Chris Malstaff

Superintendent

Chris Brown

Superintendent

Athens Downtown Development Authority

David Lynn

Director of Planning and Outreach

Linda Ford

Director of Business Services

Rachel Swartz

Senior Operations Manager

Athens-Clarke County

Athens Capital Projects Director

Josh Hawkins

Diana Jackson, PE

SPLOST Project Manager

SPG Planners + Engineers

Ed Lane, PE

Principal

Joseph Bates

Studio Lead
Senior Project Manager
Landscape Architecture

Wes Ryals

Wesley Luttrell

Senior Project Manager
Civil Engineering

Collin Madison

Project Designer