Architects start initial work on town green

For the architects working on Braseltons proposed town green, the possibilities of mixing leisure with business in a new downtown park will come at the guidance of public comments.

Wed like to know the things and types of improvements that you would like to see and let us figure out how to make those things work because thats what we do best, said Steve Provost of the planning and landscape architectural firm jB+a.

Braselton plans to build a new park called its town green in the heart of downtown in front of the Braselton Brothers Store. The town green will be located in the former roadbed of Ga. Hwy. 124 (Davis Street), which was recently shifted to the rear of the town-owned store.

At this point, there is no design for the town green and architects told the Braselton Downtown Development Authority on Thursday that it isnt presenting any plans yet. Instead, the two firms are seeking public comments on what folks want in the space before design work starts.

We want this to become a central point, a gathering point (and) a nice focal point for the community to gather and to have festivals and meet in small groups or big groups, Provost said. But also, its critical that it be a place that Braselton can do business.

In the near decade since the town green concept was initially proposed, Braselton officials have generally looked to Suwanee Town Center Park as a model. That park features an interactive water fountain that has been a big draw for families, along with an amphitheater and nearby shops.

The Atlanta-based firm jB+a designed the Suwanee Town Center Park and its interactive water fountain.

Provost said in his experience, he has learned that the most successful public places allow people to stroll, play, sit, dine, shop and play games. They may also feature facilities for public showings of movies, concerts and festivals.

If we can provide 10 different things to do for people in that space, then youre going to have a variety people who are coming in and out of the space all of the time, he said. And the more people you have in and out, the safer your space is because youve got eyes out seeing whats going on.

However, the challenge for the architects will be designing a town green that not only draws visitors to its park, but also allows the surrounding businesses to function.

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Architects start initial work on town green