Updated August 31, 2018

After spending a little time in Athens this week, consultants with Main Street Alabama learned locals want more of at least two things downtown, evening entertainment options and more restaurants.

Those consultants, which work with cities and towns across the state to revitalize downtown districts, used a combination of formal and informal interviews and public surveys to gather information.

Since 2014, 22 new businesses have opened within a 15-block radius of The Square, which created 124 jobs. There was $11.8 million in public dollars invested in the downtown area, which included the new Athens City Hall and renovations to the Limestone County Courthouse

County residents were asked what they would like to see on the square in Athens five years from now. Among the comments were more restaurant variety, loft living, a brewery, more entertainment options after 5:00pm, and an outdoor music venue.