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Things look good -- tho there is a lot of behind the scenes struggle with (as you might expect) Kia playing one state against the other in hopes of getting best deal for itself. Georgia has the most to lose, so hopes are that they will match and raise any offer. However, Gov. Barber of MS is a smooth operator, so dont count them out yet! On another front, I keep hearing rumors of another car manufacturer looking very seriously at the W. GA/ E. AL area. Maybe Audi, but also hearing Porsche more and more frequently. Nothing explicit -- but rumors are of the same type (and generally the same sources) as those I heard last summer regarding Kia -- when most everybody thought Kia was locked into a deal with MS. Anyone else hearing rumblings about another mega deal in the works for the area?

Have heard that the KIA announcement is imminent -- maybe tomorrow (Fri the 24)? Next week? Understand that it just may be great news -- but cannot confirm that from a reliable source. Guess that we will all know soon! Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Not really -- Muscogee (Columbus) and Richmond (Augusta) are fairly small counties in area AND Muscogee (and I suspect Richmond too) are even "smaller" yet due to military installations (I know that population of bases are counted in county census, but the population of the areas occupied by bases, if available for civilian use, would undoubtedly be greater). Thus, the actual land area occupied by Columbus and Augusta is probably not that much greater than other cities with similar populations. In Muscogee, almost all available land is urbanized and "suburbs" are really located in adjoining counties, Harris to the north and Lee in AL to the west. Also Athen/Clarke, the other consolidated govt is quite small in area -- I think the smallest of the three

You may well be right -- however If Lee County AL (130k +) is eventually included in a consolidated metro count (a possibility based on new Ft Benning hirees living there but commuting to the core county of Chattahoochee) and Troup County GA (60k+) is also included in consolidated metro (a possibility if KIA builds there and large % of hirees come from Harris, Muscogee Counties) that is ~ 200k+. Not counting 30k+ expected with BRAC and AFLAC expansion. Add ~ 225-250k to the present metro population, and Columbus would pretty much be on parity with Augusta (which has the advantage of being next to SC with its relative large-size counties) Actually, the real contest is not which city will be second largest, but which is city, Atlanta included, is the best. Now, that is a contest that NONE will ever agree on!

Anyone hearing anything about KIA? Kind of quiet. Think that things are looking good but not sure whether this is a done deal yet. Still some jockeying and other states making strong plays to get the plant. Wish I had more definite news but this is locked down pretty tight. Have heard that another auto might be seriously looking at Lee County. European, maybe Audi. Any other confirmations or hints about this? Would be great to get KIA and Audi -- dont want to seems hoggish but that would be a great economic boost for the area. Pass along any info please!

Check it out at http://www.columbusbotanicalgarden.com

Got any specifics about this extension -- canterlevered or along existing bank? Will it tie-in to E&P project (ie, access to sidewalk cafes, shops)? $2M seems like alot for the 2-3 blocks that I am thinking this project encompasses -- from River Club north to TSYS campus, right? Must be pretty nice for that amount! Cant wait to see it and E&P project come together.

New $ 75 M Infantry Museum on track for opening in Nov 2007. Groundbreaking soon. Will include 5-story IMAX theater. Museum only part of multi-acre site which will include proposed Armor Museum, parade grounds, restored WWII military encampment, park, etc. Will be adjacent to existing Riverwalk (DT ~ 4-5- miles). Projected to draw 300 K visitors annually.

Thanx for reply. As it turns out the Business Section of today's AJC has a story with the same info I heard over the weekend! So much for "inside" info! The story I hear is Aiken and Hopkinsville are eliminated as too far from center of gravity in Montgomery. Meridian too small. Decatur out of running because Ala has used up its incentive money. Chattanooga is the current front runner, with the West Point site being seriously considered as an alternative. (west MS cities other than Meridian also in the mix). Thus, the race now seems to be between Chattanooga and West Point. Some question over whether TN is willing to come up with incentives and to risk diluting its cozy relationship with the auto companies already there. Thus, what I hear is that Georgia has an outside chance to win this in an upset and as a darkhorse. Again, things are fluid and nothing is certain. Announcement could come soon -- maybe weeks. Check out AJC on line for story which is consistent in most details with story I heard in the past few days.

As I indicated some time back, there have been rumors that Kia was considering the Columbus area for a new auto assembly plant. I continue to hear those whispers, now including the possibility that focus is being turned to a specific site in the West Point area. That is extreme N. Harris County/S. Troup County (LaGrange), between I-85 and I-185. Tho I woud prefer a site closer to town (new Muscogee Tech Park) this would be a boom for the area as a whole, as the site is easily available to workers from Columbus (I-185)and Lee County Ala (I-85). If it happens, that would certainly spur further development towards the north and be another link in the chain connecting Columbus to Atlanta metro from the south. This is CERTAINLY not a done deal, as other sites are still in play (Meridian MS, etc). However, if it happens, it would be a big deal, since Georgia may soon to be without any car assembly plants. Understand that the final decision will come faily soon, maybe a matter of weeks. Anyone else hearing any rumors about this project? I hope that the state officials dont drop the ball (as they did with the Pooler site and the tech company that Columbus lost to Lee County last April).

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any plans (Columbus X-ing is the anti-lifestyle center). But Columbus is not known for being in the forefront of new urban concepts. I believe that the Mid-town project probably will include lifestyle centers (or something comparable). Will have to check into that == especially since I am looking to buy a house in that area. Would love to have shops, bars, restaurants within walking distance!

I think (but not sure) that the idea was to make the museum look like the old Iron Works (present Trade Center) where the ironclads were constructed. Unless I am mistaken my brother had a hand in the design (know he did the Challenger Center), so I will check with him and see what he says.

Great reminder -- CTC is too often treated as a step-child, when in fact it is a great asset to the community. If I remember correctly it was instrumental in the TSYS decision to remain in Columbus and build the DT campus. Also I think that it is connected with the new Botanical Gardens, in that its horticultural science program will use the gardens as a hands-on lab and classroom. A fine connection between education-civic enhancement. Thanks for reminding us!

I see that Columbus South (the group dedicated to development of the southside, ie, adjacent to Benning) has said to expect a big announcement at the end of the month. Anyone have any inkling of what that might be? Heard that a new hotel/motel is planned for that area. Could that be the topic of the announcement? Might be , but I thought that the new hotel/motel was already common knowledge.

I think this is in the real preliminary stages -- so no info on specifics that I know of. However, for now I presume that it will not be large. Probably focus on military conventions (vet reunions, etc) to take advantage of proximity to Benning and new Infantry Museum. Would think that size and type facility will all depend on whether marina and other civilian amenities do prove feasible. On a different note, the first phase of the new Eagle & Phenix Mill condo conversion will begin construction shortly after the new year. About 90 condos overlooking river w/ parking deck and greenspace. Sales promotion expected to start in summer of 2006, with first occupancy in 2007. Am really interested in seeing what the final plans look like. This is just the first project in a 10-year plan to develop the several blocks along Front facing the river. Office, retail, restaurants also in the works -- along with that wonderful open block between 13th and 14th that is just screaming out "highrise"! Almost directly across the river in PC, land is being cleared for new riverfront campus of Troy State and Chattahoochee Community College. So that area of DT -- on both sides of the river -- is starting to hum!

Do you think the marina will ever be built? I am afraid that Atlanta will be a BIG obstacle -- what with pollution and drawdown of water from the river. Actually, the drawdown may be the bigger snag -- as some progress has been made with the sewer inadequacy. Also, if dredging stops on the river, that will be a major impediment to river traffic -- especially if the CoE stops operating the locks. Isnt Fla pushing to end dredging in the Tri-state talks? All in all I am fairly dubious but would like to become more optimistic. Help anyone!?!

Yes -- that is the info I am interested in also. The new Y -- as a concept -- was announced some time ago. When 1st Presbyterian bought the property. Had also heard that would be located on B'way (across from Country's/next to TSYS). However, am not sure about size, amenities, etc. Think there was an announcement in that regard last week -- but I cannot find out info. Was it in the paper? If so I missed it. On another front, the newly renovated Coca Cola Challenger Center opened last week on teh Riverwalk. Not been yet, but hear it is fabulous. Also recently learned that, as part of BRAC, the Armor School Museum will be moved from Ft Knox. It has @ 300,00 visitors annually there. That, coupled with the new $70 M Infantry Museum (not to metion the Civil War Naval Museum, Challenger Center) will put Columbus on the map for military museum fans. Infantry Museum projected to draw 300,000. Together, that is more than .5 M new vistors, which means more hotels, restaurants, and that means more jobs. Granted, they will be service and low-paying, but a boon to the Southside which, as I have mentioned, is underemployed and underutilized.

Anyone have info on new Y project ? I have general idea of location -- on upper @ TSYS campus. But cannot get info about size, amenities, etc. Suppose the church will be razing old brick building and using for parking? Trust even older marble building will be preserved and used for some purpose. Its a fine old place -- only marble Y in USA I think. Was some talk about it becoming a museum of city history. Hope that it wont be lost to the wrecking ball.

300 new jobs -- Road America (hq'd in Madrid, Spain!) will open new facility. Moreover, site (Victory Drive) will be on economically depressed southside, so maybe this is the start of a redevelopment of that area. No word on caliber of jobs (suspect that they may not be of the "white collar" type) but if it offers job opportunities for the un- and underemployed South Columbus residents it is still great news!

Anyone interested in the new Columbus State campus being developed DT for the Drama/Art Departments can go to www.colstate.edu/uptown then hit "photo gallery." Great new theater/gallery/classrooms overlooking river. Also 2 new 5-story loft apartment buildings and huge parking garage. Check out pix of amenties in the lofts. Housing was NOT like that when I was in college!

Grey Rock is bit further out 27 -- at the Harris County line. Around the old fire tower and past. I think that the road there is Grey Rock Rd -- hence the name of the devlopment. Lakebottom/Weracoba Park @ Columbus Hi is the area of interest. Looking for older place with "charm." Maybe a fixer-upper. 2-3,000 sq ft. Found some things but not much on market now. House on Munro and Forest got snapped up before I could get down to look! Viewing house on Peacock this weekend -- if it is still available! Any help with FSBO's or would be sellers in that area would be appreciated (my broker will keep me posted on multilistings -- I hope!) !

ATLman1 -- Wow! THe Woodruff development is great news -- just the sort of upscale project we need. Do you know whether this is the same as the Greyrock project or a separate one? I suspect separate, as Bradley is the Greyrock developer (I think) and it is located further out than Williams Rd. That US 27 corridor is really building up! Speaking of housing, I am looking for a place in town, near the Park -- Eberhart, Peacock, Munro, ect. Any suggestions? I have a realtor but if you know of any FSBO's in that area or anyone who is interested in selling let me know. I am still in exile in Atlanta for a while longer -- but suspect that I need to jump into the Columbus market sooner rather than later. Considering the anticipated growth and the effect on the housing market there, now is the best time.

AFLAC today announced a $100 million expansion with plans to add 2000 new jobs in Columbus. As the positions will be white collar, high paying, that will be a boon to the local economy -- especially considering the 25000+ new residents expected due to Ft Benning expansion.

Heard a rumor that Kia is considering Columbus/Lee County/La Grange as site of new car assembly plant. Just one of several areas under consideration, so nothing definite yet. Anyone else hearing similar rumors?

to ATLman 1's comprehensive list, I would add the new Rails -to-Trails pathway designed to connect downtown to CSU campus and beyond -- which is coming on line within a year or so. Nice complement to Riverwalk. What is interesting about it is that downtown terminus will be old 14th St bridge which will be turned into pedestrian plaza with cafes overlooking new whitewater. Everything seems to be coming together for whitewater, with construction (actually, destruction) sheduled to begin next year. Could be running the rapids thru downtown by 2007. Can check out new pathway at www.columbus.wkdickson.com/