Doug Ivester of Gainesville has been awarded the “Premier New Development Award” at the Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) Conference. This award recognizes an exceptional new development project that has had a significant and lasting impact on the vitality of a downtown district.
The Premier New Development Award celebrates innovative projects that contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of downtowns through high-quality design, strategic placement and community-focused outcomes. Eligible projects include mixed-use developments, infill construction and newly built structures that complement and elevate the surrounding area.
“Gainesville has been blessed in many ways and one that is a particularly special blessing is Doug and Kay Ivester,” said Gainesville Mayor Sam Couvillon. “Doug and Kay grew up in New Holland and have never forgotten where they came from. It’s not a coincidence that the building they built is called Gainesville Renaissance. The Ivesters built this beautiful building to complete the fourth side of the historic square and, since then, we have seen hundreds of millions of dollars in downtown investment. Without the investment by the Ivesters, we wouldn’t be what we have become. I am grateful for their investment, but even more grateful for their friendship.”
City officials say Gainesville Renaissance stands as a model of forward-thinking development and thoughtful urban design. “Whether through its blend of residential and commercial uses, activation of a previously underutilized space, or its role in attracting new businesses and visitors downtown, the project has quickly become a cornerstone of local revitalization efforts.”
The Georgia Downtown Conference was held in Gainesville last week, described as a premier gathering for downtown development professionals, “offering a platform for sharing innovative ideas, strategies and success stories.”
About the Georgia Downtown Association
The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) is a nonprofit statewide organization that connects communities and professionals committed to downtown vitality. GDA provides accredited training programs for downtown development professionals, advocates for Georgia’s downtowns, and educates private and public sectors on the economic benefits of a thriving downtown. GDA also hosts the annual Georgia Downtown Conference to offer top-notch educational training and networking opportunities.