The future of 57: Newnan Council narrowing in plans for property | News

Last year, council members reviewed potential ideas for the future of the 57 East property at their retreat.

Fast forward one year and not much has changed. However, Mayor Keith Brady made it clear that while the city won’t be pressured into forcing a concept it doesn’t completely have faith in, the time for action is now.

The 6.68-acre property on East Broad Street has been the subject of scrutiny over the years.

In August 2019, the Newnan City Council rejected a development proposal to build a three-story, 285-unit apartment complex and parking deck on the site after widespread public opposition from downtown residents and merchants.

In September 2020, the city of Newnan signed a contract to buy the property. Currently, the area sits vacant; the last buildings were torn down in early 2022.

At their 2023 retreat, council members said one primary objective for the 57 East project would be to draw and redirect people to downtown Newnan, which made the hotel/conference center combination a popular idea.

This year, council members heard a proposal regarding the potential relocation of The Newnan Centre to the 57 East property, along with the addition of a hotel and parking deck component.

Robin Hunden, speaking on behalf of Hunen Partners, reported on the findings of a comprehensive market analysis and financial feasibility study for the project.

Currently, at a total of 6,000 square feet, the Newnan Centre is facing facility constraints for events, Hunden reported. A new…