The City of Decatur just announced a ‘Decatur Square Shake Up,’ and we couldn’t be more excited for all the fun things coming to Decatur! Keep scrolling to learn all about the $8.5 million renovations that are coming to the city!
What new additions to Decatur Square should we expect after the shake up?
The first question on everyone’s mind: what’s new? There are TONS of new additions and venues headed to the Square. Here are the highlights:
Performance Arts Stage and Expanded Lawn
Probably most exciting of all, the Decatur Square Shake Up is putting up a “permanent performing arts stage, equipped with a green room and large viewing screen.” So if you love performances, Decatur Square is about to be your new bestie!
Hillside Play Area
And there are some great updates for the kiddos too! According to the Shake Up team, “The east end of the existing plaza alongside Squash Blossom has been reimagined into a colorful playscape! Think slides, spring rockers and rope climbs atop a gentle slope of bright hues.”
Public Restrooms
If you’ve been to an event in Decatur Square, you know they always line the area near the Square with porto-potties. But now, there will be permanent public restrooms! The plan is to add them on North McDonough Plaza, close to the performance lawn and stage area!
MARTA Bus Terminal Upgrades
This one is a little self-explanatory. They say, “Decatur’s MARTA bus terminal will be redesigned to create a more welcoming entrance into the Decatur Square. The simplified pedestrian procession will be more intentional and intuitive for visitors, allowing easier access and views into the Square.”
North McDonough Plaza
The Square is expanding! They say, “The footprint of the Square will expand into the North McDonough Street loop to accommodate new amenities including a permanent restroom facility and green infrastructure. The beloved “Celebration” sculpture fountain will also relocate here. The shortened turnaround will maintain metered parking as well as electric vehicle charging, ADA spaces, and a loading zone.”
Will current Decatur Square businesses still be open for business during renovation?
Yes! You can keep enjoying all your favorite local businesses while the renovations are underway! You can cross over the plaza portion of Decatur Square, and ADA ramps are still accessible on both sides.
When will the Decatur Square Shake Up be finished?
Right now, the plan is to kick off the Shake Up with a Community Bandstand and remarks from officials on April 17th, 2025 at 11am. Construction should be finished by early-to-mid 2026.
Learn more about this amazing construction plan on Visit Decatur’s website, here!