We hear a lot about the upstart in new businesses in downtown Clarkesville, but Clarkesville’s south end business district has huge potential for growth over the next five to ten years. The convergence of State Highways 17, 197, 385 & Historic 441 near the Ingles in Clarkesville is ripe with opportunity for growth of retail and high-density residential in the immediate area.

Traffic flows through the main intersection are relatively heavy at various times of the day, some of which are caused by morning and afternoon traffic to and from Habersham Central High School. Daily car counts have been increasing steadily at this intersection over the last few years. Now they are the among the highest total daily car counts anywhere in Clarkesville.

The Georgia DOT has confirmed plans to install a roundabout at the intersection within the next two years. The roundabout should move traffic along faster than the antiquated 4-way stop operating there now. The design of the roundabout includes sidewalks to increase the “walk ability” of pedestrians who enjoy the benefits of living in Clarkesville and walking to their neighborhood amenities.

Investors in the future growth of Clarkesville are taking notice of the commercial properties that will be receiving the benefit of close proximity to the future roundabout intersection. There are six commercial properties for sale that are located at or near the intersection which is the central hub for the south Clarkesville business district which are indicated on the aerial photo below.

Properties 1, 2,  & 3 – Presently for sale at the intersection are 389 Washington Street (Stoney’s Restaurant), 648 W. Louise Street and 656 W. Louise Street. The total acreage of the assemblage of the three properties is .91 acre. All utilities including water, sewer, power, natural gas and high speed internet are available at the properties. The properties can be purchased together or separately.

Property  4 – 319 Washington Street is a vacant lot approximately 1/3 acre in size that adjoins the small acreage next to Taco Bell. This property could be key to the next business opportunity across the street from Zaxby’s Restaurant.

Property 5 – Another property listed for sale in close proximity to the intersection is Ellison Park which is a few hundred feet across the road from Ingles Markets on Hwy 17. Ellison Park was originally conceived of and approved for high density residential prior to the housing recession of the mid-2000s. Since all utilities are present at the highway, the 6.82 acres is eligible for an up zoning to commercial use (Highway Business-HB). Ellison Park could then become a multi-use tract for any combination of commercial retail, professional, and/or high density housing.

Property 6 – Next door to and south of the Post Office on Hwy. 197 is Clarkesville Plaza which has 2.9 acres of commercial land listed for sale behind Richard’s Fitness and the building that currently houses the Jazzercise exercise facility. The acreage is accessed across the Clarkesville Plaza parking lot and is suitable for a variety of possible uses including apartment housing, self-storage, boat storage, or other light commercial businesses.

If you have any questions about these commercial opportunities in Clarkesville, call Dale Holmes at Headwaters Realty at 706-499-0367.