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Warner Robins tears down buildings for new downtown district. Here's what may come in its place

It says that buildings will have to be a minimum of two stories high, and buildings must be neutral-colored brick or stone.

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — The city of Warner Robins is buying more buildings around Commercial Circle with plans to tear more buildings down in the future. 

The demolitions are all part of the city's downtown development project and the next round of demolitions is Thursday. 

On Tuesday night, city leaders got a look at design plans for what will come after. 

"You only have one time. One chance to build it from the ground up. We want to make sure we do it right the first time," Patrick said.

The plans say all buildings need to be visually compatible, so all signs will be posted on the buildings near the entrance. There can not be monument signs. 

All buildings must be at least two stories. They recommend that residential space is on the second to fifth floors. They say any workspace should be on the second or third floor.  

All buildings would be natural colors made of brick or natural or manufactured stone.

They will also have 10-foot zones in front of businesses for seating, amenities and walking.

During Tuesday's meeting, Kate Hogan shared that some of the murals may not fit into the guidelines, but they'll work to find ways to include new art. 

"Public art implemented into our district should be a priority," Hogan shared.

The folks at McDonald Ink say they're ready to see it. 

"It will be a big change for everyone's career, I'm sure," Amanda Lucero said. 

Lucero says she's originally from California, so this area, while charming, is boring. She says the plans will be more welcoming and add exposure. 

"We pretty much bring our own people in, 'he say, she say' things like that. I would definitely like to reach more of that outside audience," Lucero said.

She says their chairs are already ready for customers. 

"I look forward to seeing y'all," she said. 

Now, Mayor LaRhonda Patrick says there will be businesses that won't want to change their look and that's okay. 

"But, if you have any type of major renovation, where you're putting funds into your property we'll have the guidelines in for your property," she said.

Patrick says they are also working on a program to get displaced tenants a new home to serve during the time of construction. 

Mayor Patrick says she expects the plan will go before the city council for approval in the coming weeks. 

You don't have to wait for the renovations to visit McDonald Ink. You can reach out to their artists on Instagram @tattoos.by.mandi and @lance.waid.

    

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