Steps from the University of Georgia’s campus, the first major update to Athens’ College Square in 45 years aimed to remake a downtown street into a centralized civic space and social hub for residents, students, and visitors. New photos provided by project officials show exactly how those efforts turned out. 

The College Square pedestrian plaza overhaul—described as an infrastructural “handshake” between downtown Athens and UGA—is set for its official ribbon-cutting Saturday morning, followed by a “SquareFest” party from 1 to 4 p.m. and free 7 p.m. concert in the new public space.

Located along College Avenue between East Broad and East Clayton streets, a few steps from UGA’s iconic The Arch gateway to campus, the College Square project broke ground in January, remaking a former two-lane street. 

New College Square performance space and historic downtown architecture where East Clayton Street meets College Avenue. Courtesy of Athens Downtown Development Authority; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

As designed by Watkinsville-based SPG Planners + Engineers, the College Square Redesign space was custom-made for events—during football season and not—including street festivals, live music, artisan and farmers markets, seasonal celebrations, and pop-ups. 

Improvements include fresh paving, lighting, seating, landscaping with large trees, and “overhead shade sails,” according to Athens-Clarke County Unified Government officials. The $6.5-million redesign was primarily funded through parking revenue and Athens Downtown Development Authority financing.  

The space opened for public use in early September before UGA football’s first home game. Officials say more installations and minor improvements will be made through early 2027.

State of the College Avenue overhaul in downtown Athens as construction ramped up earlier this year. Sheridan Construction/X

Courtesy of Athens Downtown Development Authority; Athens-Clarke County Unified Government

Previously, College Square was closed to vehicles during Athens’ COVID-19 response in October 2020 as part of a six-month experiment; it was permanently opened up as a pedestrian-only space the following spring.

Find a closer look at the new and improved College Square (from virtually every angle) in the gallery above, and let’s ask ourselves where this pedestrian-first treatment might make Atlanta better, too. 

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