Smyrna Downtown Improvements

Adopted in the 2022 SPLOST referendum, the vision for the Smyrna Downtown Improvements came from a master plan update which identified a number of opportunities. The need for an updated plan was spurred from the overwhelming popularity of the downtown commercial district known as Smyrna Market Village. The city’s leadership saw this success and identified the need for additional areas for the community to gather safely. In this effort, Croy was responsible for the program management and design of the project that is revitalizing this portion of the downtown area.

Following the adoption of the Smyrna BOLD (Building on the Legacy Downtown) Downtown Master Plan Update and approval of the 2022 SPLOST referendum, Croy conducted various traffic studies that ultimately validated that the removal of the traffic circle located between their Community Center and Public Library, just north (and within walking distance) of the Smyrna Market Village would not negatively impact the area’s traffic. Numerous in-person public meetings were held, as well as online community surveys, to gather feedback on the park design and amenities. Ultimately, the preferred concept was developed and approved by the Mayor and Council in late 2021.

The collaboration effort between Croy, Pond, and The City of Smyrna continued through design development, construction documentation, permitting, and construction. The final scope of the project included the removal of the traffic circle, realignment and extension of King Street, implementation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Powder Springs Street and Atlanta Road, and the design and construction of the new public greenspace. A large portion of King Street was designed as a “Shared Street” – prioritizing pedestrian safety and circulation over the movement of cars, with decorative pavement and flush curbs.

The new greenspace includes flexible lawn spaces, wide sidewalks, plazas, shade structures, an interactive water feature, updated site furnishings, lighting, landscaping, and all associated utilities and stormwater infrastructure. The greenspace was designed intentionally to accommodate numerous large, annual City events including concerts and festivals such as the most recent event – Smyrna 151^st Birthday Celebration featuring the Goo Goo Dolls and other notable artists. During the design phase, the consultant team worked with Smyrna’s Public Arts Council to identify opportunities for future art installations and murals within the greenspace. Replacing the large and underutilized traffic circle with a significant community gathering and public park space has quickly changed the dynamic of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. Consequently, these revitalization efforts have ignited additional improvements in the immediate area making the area increasingly attractive for businesses and residents alike.