As with Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell, and other cities across north OTP Atlanta, Douglasville has recently lifted the veil on a community-focused downtown project that aims to boost its cachet in the western suburbs.  

Situated down the street from the bulk of Douglasville’s historic downtown, the Douglasville Town Green and its main attraction, the GreyStone Amphitheater, replaced a vacant lot and the former county jail at 6801 Church St.

According to Atlanta-based design firm TSW, the 2-acre project already serves as a regional draw and a “model of sustainability,” with more development planned across adjoining acreage. It officially debuted in September with a sold-out concert by multi-Grammy Award winning recording artist Gladys Knight.

A drone photo of the Town Green and its centerpiece amphitheater today. Courtesy of the City of Douglasville

The Town Green's 6801 Church St. location (in red) in relation to other downtown Douglasville attractions. Google Maps

The open-air concert venue and park space, located about 24 miles west of downtown Atlanta, were more than six years in the making, as initially proposed in the TSW’s Douglasville Downtown Master Plan + 10-Year Strategic Plan.

Today, components include the 3,700-person amphitheater and stage building, event space, restrooms, a concessions building, a splash pad, a boulder climbing area, and “playable art” for what’s considered the civic, cultural, and entertainment center of Douglas County. The city counts an estimated population of 38,000, according to the U.S. Census.

As for sustainability, an existing pedestrian bridge and part of a jail building were re-purposed, which TSW officials say reduced the amount of new materials needed and conserved energy. Reclaimed materials from the site include boulders uncovered during grading (now integrated into site walls) and blasted rocks used for fill material.

Elsewhere, a 3,750-gallon above-ground cistern collects roof runoff, while a 12,000-gallon underground cistern collects used splash pad water and stormwater runoff, all meant to boost water conservation and management. Other eco-focused facets include FSC-certified site furnishings that support responsible forest management, native plantings, and full-cutoff light fixtures for dark skies, according to TSW.

“It’s more than just a pretty [communal gathering] space,” Adam Williamson, TSW principal, said in a recent announcement. “It provides a sustainable model for park development for the region and supports economic development and downtown revitalization goals. When the space isn’t being used for city events, the park is open seven days a week for community leisure and recreation.”

Photo of the Town Green food and beverage component today. Courtesy of the City of Douglasville

A TSW rendering illustrating how mixed-use development could ring the new Town Green and amphitheater.TSW

Douglasville city officials stress the remaining 8 acres of the 10-acre site remain a blank palette where they’re trying to attract residents young and old who prefer walkable downtowns and mixed-use environments. 

The city has issued two requests for proposals near the Town Green to include a hotel project on an adjacent block, and another development with a broader mix of uses that would bring residential, commercial, parking, and local art uses to that same block.

In the gallery above, find more Town Green context today—and glimpses at how this side of downtown could evolve in years to come.

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