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Economic Impact

Since active redevelopment efforts began in downtown Decatur in 2010, the economic impact in our community has been significant.

Many studies have been conducted showing the economic impact of downtown redevelopment efforts. Downtown redevelopment increases direct investment in a community while creating jobs, increasing property values, and attracting visitors and new residents. We are seeing tremendous economic impact from development efforts in our own community.

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The Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority has been instrumental in transforming the heart of our city, creating opportunities for growth while preserving its rich history. Through strategic planning, investment, and community collaboration, they are shaping a downtown where businesses flourish, residents connect, and new opportunities continue to emerge. At BCA, we’re honored to help partner in shaping a downtown that reflects the strength, character, and future of this great community.”

– Brandon Price, BCA

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Due to the efforts of Senator Arthur Orr, the Alabama Center for the Arts Foundation has been on an aggressive mission to not only raise awareness for the ACA but also help ACA partners, Calhoun Community College and Athens State University, grow its footprint in downtown Decatur. Our first move was to buy a building to provide a pad-ready site for Senator Orr to pitch to Montgomery. That space at the corner of Johnston and 1st Ave. is now the home of ACA’s $15m dormitory. Next, we bought a portion of the Caddell, Harris law firm building and renovated it to be studios for the ACA’s Master of Fine Arts students and the ACA’s art library, another $1.2m investment in downtown Decatur. Our goal is to help the ACA flood downtown Decatur with young, vibrant assets (students) while helping Calhoun and Athens State meet their education fulfillment goals – a win/win.”

– Clint Shelton, ACAF Foundation President

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The DDRA has helped facilitate significant growth and development throughout downtown Decatur and we are grateful for the opportunity to extend the “Decatur hospitality” to our guests as momentum continues to build. The DDRA is a testimony to local business and government leaders taking responsibility for the positive future of their community, serving both existing businesses and those looking to join the movement.”

– Brian Cook, Cook Museum of Natural Science

    In excess of $81 Million in capital expenditures has been invested in downtown Decatur since 2010.


    137

    New
    Businesses


    650

    New
    Jobs


    $10M

    Annual
    Payroll


    $78MM

    Private Capital Expenditures


    $3MM

    Public Capital Expenditures


    $313MM

    Facade Improvements


    146K

    Incentive Grants awarded


    30

    New Residential Units


    3

    New Pocket Parks


    1

    New Outdoor Amphitheatre


    4

    Streetscape Projects
    Data last updated 6/2019

    Major projects completed since 2010 that are attracting thousands of people to downtown Decatur:

    The Cook Museum of
    Natural Science

    This $32.4 million, state-of-the-art natural science museum opened in Downtown Decatur in June, 2019. It is projected to attract over 200,000 visitors to downtown Decatur every year, not including student groups visiting with their schools.
    Visit the website

    Alabama Center for the Arts

    The Alabama Center for the Arts is the region’s premier art center and degree program offering Associate of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees in visual and performing arts. Hundreds of students attend the college throughout the year and can often be seen working on projects or hanging out downtown.
    Visit the website

    Historic Depot and
    Railroad Museum

    The Historic Depot is attracting thousands of visitors each year from around the country and the world, who come to watch trains pass by the platform and enjoy the extensive model train displays.
    Learn more

    Why I chose to invest in Downtown Decatur

    • “The growth and accomplishments seen in Downtown Decatur from 2006 to today is simply amazing. We credit DDRA for spearheading, supporting, encouraging, and driving so much of the change Decatur was in desperate need of.”

      -- Tom Counts, 3-GIS CEO

    • “The potential for a true revitalization of the historic downtown area was huge and energized us to want to be a part of it – part of something bigger than ourselves and allow us to support and encourage civic responsibility internally as well as externally with others in the community.”

      -- Ronnie Hoff, Magnolia River CEO

    Learn more

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