Liberty District Redevelopment and Liberty Theatre Renovation

planned

The project involves the redevelopment of the historic Liberty District, known as 'Black Wall Street,' in Columbus, Georgia. It includes further renovations to the Liberty Theatre, such as modernizing it with flexible seating, updated sound and lighting, community spaces, and potentially a coffee shop or museum-style exhibits. The city has funded a new roof, mold remediation, and HVAC replacement for the theatre, supported by a $150,000 state grant and federal American Rescue Plan dollars. The remaining interior renovations are estimated to cost around $6 million to $7 million. Additionally, the city is proceeding with the district streetscape renovation, specifically renovating Eighth Avenue at the entrance of the Liberty Theatre, with a budget of $3.6 million to $4 million. Construction is set to begin in July and end in Spring 2027. The city council has declared 14 single-family lots as surplus, which will be sold to a single developer to ensure cohesive development.