Despite being the second-largest city in Georgia, Columbus might be the state’s best-kept secret. But it won’t stay that way for long, thanks to the efforts of local developers and real estate companies like W.C. Bradley Real Estate.
For the past five to seven years, W.C. Bradley has doubled down on its mission to serve Columbus by spearheading an intentional effort to revitalize the city’s historic downtown district — locally known as Uptown.
“It first started as an active stabilization that ultimately turned into a revitalization,” says Pace Halter, President and Chief Operating Officer of W.C. Bradley Real Estate. “The revitalization part is not done, but it’s well on its way — and now we have shifted to true, new ground-up development.”
These efforts have resulted in some amazing new additions to Uptown, including a food hall, a hotel, an event venue, a co-working space and more.
Banks Food Hall
At Banks Food Hall, you’ll find a great selection of food and drinks and plenty of seating space — and an entertainment venue. The adjoining alley, which is about 30 feet wide and runs the entire length of the building, becomes the setting for a free concert series in the spring and fall.
Hotel Indigo Columbus
An InterContinental Hotel Group brand, Hotel Indigo has over 110 locations worldwide — but from the very beginning of the design process, each and every one of them starts with the “neighborhood story.”
“When you walk in any Hotel Indigo, you will never see an Indigo like that one,” Halter says. “They’re tailored and specific to wherever they are, which gives you an unbelievable palette to tell your community story. We thought that was really compelling.”
The 107-room hotel sits directly on the Chattahoochee River and is filled with interesting finishes that tell the rich story of Columbus. The property has two restaurants, including the only rooftop bar and restaurant in Columbus overlooking the river. Named Eighteen 85 in honor of the year W.C. Bradley was founded, it serves delicious farm-to-table, chef-driven cuisine.
PowerHouse Event Venue & CoWork
Columbus Originally one of the oldest and largest mills in the country, PowerHouse has now been converted into a waterfront venue on the Chattahoochee River that sits on what could be described as its own “private island,” as the property is only accessible via a bridge-like walking path. The building was restored while preserving much of its architectural history.
CoWork Columbus, a popular co-working space, offers multiple membership options and amenities. And while W.C. Bradley has other projects in the works, including a new apartment complex that will include a ground-floor grocery and 230,000 square feet of office space, there are now other companies and developers investing in the collective vision to revitalize Columbus.
“That’s really what we hoped would happen,” Halter says. “We’re starting to see a lot of new development and new ideas brought to Columbus, and that ultimately helps to grow the economy, market and lifestyle here. We hope it continues with more and more people involved.”