The Heart and Soul Bus Tour pulled into Albany and local officials are showing off the city to gain supporters of downtown redevelopment
More than 50 business people, developers, and investors aboard the tour bus are excited about the investment opportunities they’re seeing all over the state.
Albany officials conducted a presentation about Albany during the bus ride from Americus. Once in Albany the group had an introduction to the city at the Ray Charles Plaza, visited the Thronateeska Heritage Center, and the Flint Riverquarium before dinner catered by downtown restaurants.
Catherine Glover with Albany Chamber of Commerce says she’s excited about the opportunity to show off Albany because we have a lot to offer and are ready for revitalization.
Tour participants come from all over the state and say they’re particularly interested in investing in a small town.
During the downtown visit officials didn’t shy away from pointing out empty businesses and sharing Albany’s dream of a thriving downtown. City Manager Al Lott says he can see a bright future for downtown Albany. “We want retail, apartments, and condo’s all along Front Street. We want something else to accompany the Hilton Garden Inn. We want to fill all of those empty buildings” says Lott.
Investors say they are looking at the economic base, government structure, amenities, and the overall economic attitude of the city when deciding where to invest and rebuild.
The tour will wrap up Thursday morning with a tour of the Civil Rights Museum.
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