Avondale Estates approves new look

A new look for downtown Avondale Estates is on the way.

The city commission this week approved a development agreement with Century Retail, clearing the first major step to remaking four blocks of downtown. Century is proposing to build condos, shops and a Publix grocery store in a four-block area between Franklin Street and Avondale Road, said city manager Clai Brown.

The city and the developer have agreed that the project will have additional landscaping, to keep the small-town feel, and also will absorb Lake Street, which will become an interior road in the project.

Brown said the city commission must next approve a conditional-use permit for the project, which is expected to be done during a special meeting in early November.

With that in hand, Century must show it has the funds to begin the project and can apply for the necessary permits from DeKalb County for demolition.

The grocery and other shops are slated to open by late 2009.