In the spring of 2025, representatives from Decatur, Meigs County, and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development sought design assistance from UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government to develop a guiding masterplan for downtown Decatur. This project was made available to the community through a dedicated grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation. The generous support of the Lyndhurst Foundation allowed this planning effort to take place without any cost to Decatur or Meigs County. This document is intended visualize options for the future growth of downtown to assist local leaders and residents. The designs that follow respond to unique challenges and opportunities found in downtown Decatur, including streetscape recommendations and façade designs for small businesses throughout downtown. Developed with the assistance and oversight of local property owners and local leaders, the proposed designs show concepts that create more vibrant, active storefronts and more attractive, inviting streets f
