Over the past several years, the city of Leesburg has worked with purpose and persistence to bring a long-term vision of Downtown Leesburg to life.
The result has been a period of remarkable growth, with new businesses opening, community events reaching record attendance, and infrastructure improvements laying the foundation for lasting success.
Leesburg’s historic downtown continues to evolve into a vibrant destination while preserving the small-town charm that makes it special. Family-owned shops, restaurants, and health, wellness, and specialty retail businesses have brought new energy and opportunity to the district.
The journey began years ago when city leaders set out to define where they wanted Leesburg to be over the next 30 years. They worked with Heather Sharpe and Cherie Bennett of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Beka Shiver of the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission to secure Rural Zone Designation.
Leaders also sought guidance from Georgia Municipal Association’s Emily Davenport and Cindy Eidson. That same year, GMA’s Technical Assistance Team conducted a site visit and later identified opportunities such as expanding the downtown footprint, redeveloping alleyways, adding sidewalks and activating a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board.
Two years later, GMA returned with downtown development experts Amanda Glover of Bainbridge and Taylor Smith of Thomaston to facilitate a strategic planning session with Leesburg’s DDA. Together, leaders identified what makes Leesburg unique, what is already working well, and priorities for future improvement.
Downtown’s progress has been a collaborative effort involving the city of Leesburg, Lee County Board of Commissioners, Congressman Sanford Bishop, the Lee County Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, DCA, Norfolk Southern Railroad, the Georgia Department of Transportation, DDA and downtown stakeholders.
The city has also partnered with property owners to remodel buildings and open new storefronts. Sheri Smith, owner of Passion & Bliss said, “I love being a part of Downtown Leesburg’s revitalization because it is such a special place. The family and community atmosphere and knowing that we are helping grow this downtown and build it back up is incredible.”
Revitalization efforts have transformed aging buildings with updated brick facades, improved rear parking, and the conversion of a former structure into a functional alleyway space. Four new businesses have opened, along with four successful Burg Bash festivals and three Christmas tree lighting celebrations. The DDA Board and Architectural Review Board are now in place to help guide development in a way that reflects the city’s identity and vision.
With plans for new housing, monthly events, and continued investment, Downtown Leesburg’s story is still being written, and its future has never looked brighter.