The Decatur Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the start of an $8.5 million project to reshape Decatur Square.
First hatched in early 2022, the plan includes expanding both the size of the Square and its green space, replacing the large bandstand by the Swanton Way MARTA entrance with a performing arts stage, expanding open spaces, creating a new children’s play area, and adding permanent public restrooms.
The public is invited to the celebration launching the project – which is being called “The Square ShakeUp” – at a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 17. The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., with remarks from officials scheduled to take place at 11 a.m., according to a press release.
“While the current version of Decatur Square has been a fixture in our city for nearly 30 years, the needs of our community have evolved,” said Angela Threadgill, the City of Decatur’s Assistant City Manager for Community & Economic Development. “After extensive conversations with our residents and local business owners, it became clear changes were necessary to support the type of programming that keeps Downtown Decatur vibrant.”
The changes are a key component of Decatur’s Town Center Plan 2.0, which was officially adopted by the City Commission in 2023 to address the changing needs of its downtown district. The project will be financed by SPLOST II funds through DeKalb County and is expected to take 10 months to complete, with the goal of a full reopening prior to the FIFA World Cup in June 2026.
“When considering this project alongside some of the other initiatives undertaken by the City – especially our small business improvement grants – we hope it sends a clear message that we aren’t resting on our laurels when it comes to making Decatur the best it can be for all stakeholders,” added Threadgill.
Access to the Square and all the surrounding businesses will remain open to the public, with only specific portions of the Square closed during construction. As project elements are completed, access to those areas will be reopened. Though no timeline has been established, Phase 2 of the rejuvenation of Decatur Square is expected to include an outdoor pavilion, splash pad and additional seating and amenities.
For more information on the project and its impact on access to Decatur Square, visit SquareShakeUp.com.
