The Creek on the Blue Mile Commission has announced the recent hiring of NELSON Worldwide, an award-winning community development firm, selected to provide architectural and façade design concepts ensuring a uniform appearance to the commercial development segment of the project. NELSON is a well-known and respected international firm delivering architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. In community development, they focus on transforming all dimensions of the human experience, providing clients with strategic and creative solutions that positively impact business and the environments where they work, serve, play, and thrive.
“This is a what we feel is the essential next step in the development of the multi-use private investment portion of the Creek project,” said Andy Burns, co-chair of the Commission. “NELSON has a stellar record of creating communities that engage citizens in a dynamic way. They were the design team for the Avalon and Halcyon Point developments in Alpharetta, and the Battery at Braves Park, which have a similar look and feel to what we want for our Creek project.”
The Creek Commission has been busy since the announcement of the storm-water containment project in 2019, identifying proper zoning, permitting and infrastructural improvements to the property located between College Street and Zetterower Avenue. The hiring of NELSON means plans will soon materialize that show actual renderings of how the total mixed-use development will be incorporated into the Creek on The Blue Mile project.
“The quicker the public and private sectors can come together around a shared vision, the sooner the transformation of the property into a healthy, self-sustaining multi-use district can happen,” said Keely Fennell, chair of the Blue Mile Commission. “Public entities play a key role in determining the land use and development of the future. The City of Statesboro has been a great partner in developing The Blue Mile’s recent landscape project and we look forward to continuing our work with them in developing The Creek on the Blue Mile district, a viable walkable community of high-end retail, restaurants, office spaces, hotels, housing and community gathering spaces that will create an engaging commercial village along the Blue Mile.”
The Creek Project is estimated to generate up to 750 jobs and when built out will have an economic impact of at least $80 million. The project will improve a currently vacant part of the Blue Mile without displacing vulnerable populations. It will provide a new food and entertainment destination for citizens, tourists, GS students and parents. The Creek on the Blue Mile will also address flood mitigation resulting from the enhancement of storm water improvements.
“We are excited to partner with the Creek on the Blue Mile Commission in developing the look and feel of this intriguing community project,” said Tom Arsovski, NELSON’s regional practice leader, southeast director. “I envision the Creek fitting into the traditional fabric of downtown Statesboro while revitalizing the area with a contemporary, high-end feel. It has the potential of becoming an incredible destination that complements the heart of downtown.”
“A project like the Creek, takes many years to develop,” said Burns. “We are thankful that the city and the Commission are able to work together long-term to make the vision of a better Statesboro happen for citizens and visitors. We look forward to working with NELSON to make the Creek a real ‘experience center’ with a live, work, play approach.”