LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) – With new businesses come new opportunities.
The City of Leesburg has big plans for its downtown area. Population growth in Lee County is expected to create new opportunities. The neighborhood is welcoming more and more businesses, and the newest business is opening its doors on Friday, August 9th.
Bloom Flower Bar and Gifts is just one of four committed investors looking to move downtown.
“Downtown Leesburg is our home,” said owner Amanda Daughtry, owner of Bloom Flower Bar and Gifts.
That’s why Daughtry is investing in her community. Leesburg’s population boom also requires more retail opportunities.
“Would love to see more restaurants and just more investors,” Daughtry said.
Leesburg City Manager Bob Alexander heads the Downtown Development Authority. Since the organization’s formation in 2023, the boundaries of downtown Leesburg have expanded to the east and north sides of the city. The expansion added 60 to 70 acres of undeveloped land.
“There is a lot of empty space… that is not a problem. It is an opportunity,” said Alexander.
He says this opportunity will not only attract more investors but also create new housing options.
Currently, Alexander is in the process of updating development plans for downtown Leesburg to model it after other successful cities, such as downtown Suwanee in Gwinnett County. He says if the plans come to fruition, downtown Leesburg will see $20 to $30 million worth of improvements over the next 10 years.
“Our inner city area is currently undergoing a kind of development,” said Alexander.
He added that he is also seeking accreditation – anything to make Leesburg residents proud of their downtown.
“I’m excited to see Leesburg thrive,” Daughtry said.
Alexander said he expects the new plans for downtown to be bustling in the coming years and attract more visitors from across South Georgia.
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