A multi-pronged development proposal that could fundamentally change the downtown area of a fast-growing, far-north Atlanta suburb is coming into clearer focus. 

Plans compiled by Goodwyn Mills Cawood—the Montgomery-based architecture firm behind Chamblee’s award-winning city hall, as one recent example—call for transforming a section of historic downtown Canton with a boutique hotel, shopping and restaurants, and other uses. 

Following a series of community meetings, Canton’s Downtown Development Authority, city council, and other stakeholders recently reviewed concepts and renderings for what’s called the North Street Redevelopment, a mixed-use project backed by the city on land it owns. 

Last year, Canton’s DDA purchased five acres—home to a law firm’s building and low-rise apartments today—where the project would rise, adjacent to the Cherokee County Courthouse. 

The site is situated at the intersection of North and Brown streets, a few steps from many of Canton’s downtown shops and eateries. 

Goodwyn Mills Cawood/City of Canton

Overview of a planned plaza area where North Street meets Brown Street in downtown Canton. Goodwyn Mills Cawood/City of Canton

Development plans haven’t been finalized, but they check the boxes city leadership had asked for. Those include: 

A parking deck standing at least five stories, with between 600 and 800 spaces (or more) that would serve the general public, as well as the courthouse and retail, commercial, and residential uses within the new development;

A boutique hotel with roughly 80 rooms and space for events;

A four-story addition to the courthouse that would include office space and more courtrooms;

An apartment component with three stories of one and two-bedroom units (but just 20 total), situated above retail. 

According to a recent presentation, the retail space would total about 27,000 square feet, and office uses about 120,000 square feet. 

Goodwyn Mills Cawood/City of Canton

Goodwyn Mills Cawood/City of Canton

Canton is the Cherokee County seat, with a quickly growing population of roughly 38,000. It serves as a gateway for much of metro Atlanta to the North Georgia Mountains in the northwest corner of the state. 

According to Canton Mayor Bill Grant, the next step will come in a couple of weeks, when the city council will review plans in greater detail at its annual retreat. More chances for public input are also forthcoming, according to the mayor’s announcement. 

Swing up to the gallery for more context and renderings. 

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