THOMASVILLE- City officials and locals gathered at 233 W. Jackson St. on Thursday for a presentation from T-Mobile and the unveiling of the site plan for the Gateway to the Ritz Amphitheater.
The City of Thomasville was previously announced as one of two Georgia towns set to receive the $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant, which aims to give people in rural communities and small towns a chance to transform the places they call home.
With nearly 800 applications in the mix, the City of Thomasville was proud to receive the grant and activate a space that will contribute to the ongoing success of Downtown Thomasville. However, it was a team effort to make the grant a reality.
Managing Director of Marketing and Communications for the City of Thomasville April Norton explained the significance of the grant and how it tied into the Creative District’s ultimate vision.
“The Creative District Vision Plan was adopted in 2014,” she said. “This is a piece to that element, and actually connects to two other pieces, one of which is the Ritz Amphitheater.”
The Ritz Amphitheater was a large part of the Creative District’s Vision Plan, along with the West Jackson streetscape.
“In a 10-year timeframe of the Creative District’s Vision Plan, we have seen $14 million in public and private investments,” she said. “Through that investment there have been over 40 new businesses established, creating 240 job opportunities.”
Norton was confident that the T-Mobile Hometown Grant and Gateway to the Ritz would continue to drive tourism and downtown dollars and business.
“Re-imagining this space as a gateway entrance from West Jackson Street to the Ritz Amphitheater allows us to connect people through public art, history, public gathering, and a space for all,” Norton said.
The project not only allows for gatherings but helps Thomasville preserve its history, which has become well-known throughout the area.
The gateway will keep its front facade, along with the historic Coca-Cola mural.
Coca-Cola was on hand at the event to provide everyone with glass-bottle cokes to commemorate the mural, which will be restored.
Coca-Cola was only one of the many community sponsors in attendance, including Nancy Tinker with Landmarks, Mayor Todd Mobley, City Councilman Scott Chastain, staff from the City of Thomasville, and of course, representatives from the T-Mobile store in Cairo.
T-Mobile lead and Cairo store manager Derrick Martin told the crowd that the grant presented to Thomasville reaffirmed T-Mobile’s commitment to supporting communities.
“We want to be a part of Thomasville,” Martin said.
He then shared T-Mobile would be opening a second location in front of Publix shortly.
“We are here to celebrate the Hometown Grants initiative, but we don’t just want to be a flash in the hand; we want to be a part of the community,” he said. “Our goal is to provide great service, but also foster the growth and prosperity of small towns across the US.”
With this goal in mind, T-Mobile is set to invest roughly $25 million in additional grant funds to other small towns across the United States in the next five years.
“Hopefully, these other small towns will be just as appreciative and grateful as Thomasville has been,” Martin said.
He then presented Norton with a $50,000 check to begin work on the Gateway to the Ritz Amphitheater, which will feature public artwork in collaboration with the Thomasville Center for the Arts and seating areas to enjoy lunch or a leisurely stroll.