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This week’s Around Atlanta segment of the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio show features an interview with Mark Mathews, the mayor of Kennesaw. As a native Kennesaw resident, Mathews is excited to see the direction that downtown Kennesaw is heading, as it’s now undergoing total renovation!
Kennesaw was originally a shantytown located along the railway with no true square, government buildings or commerce. Later, as shopping centers became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, areas around downtown were developed into strip malls. About the same time, major highways through the area were completed, such as Highway 41 and I-75, which pulled much of the activity away from the city’s small downtown.
Throughout the 1990s, Kennesaw was primarily a sleepy residential town, as most growth centered on homes instead of businesses. At this time, the local government identified the need for a true downtown, and the development authority began purchasing land so that it could be created.
Now, the city’s first major mixed-use project is underway. Featuring 12,000 square feet of retail space, 350 apartments and a parking deck that can house 500-plus vehicles, the development is the first step towards creating a beautiful downtown area that is the perfect place to live, work and play.
The city of Kennesaw’s primary draw for home buyers is its exceptional location. Cobb County is a great place to call home, and Kennesaw is the perfect mix of convenience and lifestyle while still being away from the hustle and bustle of intown living. In addition, the area has very affordable housing, making it a great option for young families or first-time home buyers. Kennesaw is actually one of the few areas in metro Atlanta where the average age of its residents is decreasing, as opposed to increasing!
Another draw for those looking to live in Kennesaw is the area’s great shopping, dining and recreation opportunities, as well as its many events. The city of Kennesaw recently purchased Swift-Cantrell Park, a 42-acre passive park with two playgrounds, a dog park, skate park, three picnic pavilions, a one-mile asphalt trail, shade structures, acres of open turf for recreation and more.
Popular events that take place in downtown Kennesaw include the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, which is a sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society event. Known as the barbeque state championship for Georgia, this year’s event will be held on Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23. The same weekend also hosts the “Hummingbird Whisperer” event at Smith-Gilbert Gardens, Kennesaw’s own botanical garden. On Saturday, Aug. 23, the gardens will have its hummingbird banding event, which is one of only a handful of such events in the country. Attendees can watch as the birds are captured, banded, tracked and released. Visitors may even get the opportunity to hold one of these exquisite creatures!
To learn more about the city of Kennesaw, including its plans for future development, local events and why it’s a great place to call home, listen to the full podcast above. Then, visit www.Kennesaw-GA.gov for more information.
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The “Around Atlanta” segment is designed to showcase the best of metro Atlanta – the communities, attractions and special events that make this city great. To submit your event, community or attraction to the Around Atlanta edition of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, contact 770-383-3360.
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