James May-June 2023 web - Flipbook - Page 25
Jones family until 2017 when we acquired it. As long-term owners and
investors, we always develop or invest in growth markets,” Hodge says.
Last year, Hodge and Schmeelk purchased the Jones Building in
downtown Canton from the city. In 1879 the man who would later build
the mill, R.T. Jones, opened the mercantile store and he and his family
operated it in the heart of downtown for the next 100 years.
In the 40 years since the store closed it was owned by Cherokee
County, which used it as administrative offices and most recently by the
city. Now, Hodge and Schmeelk are embarking on the next chapter of
history for the iconic Canton building, which is now being renovated and
repurposed for office and restaurants.
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce President Pam Carnes is
among the many business and political leaders who praise Canton for the
work it is doing.
“Cherokee County is fortunate to be the home to five cities including Canton, which is our county seat. As with other areas of the county,
Canton provides an array of amenities for residents and visitors alike from
dining and shopping to arts, entertainment, and outdoor adventure. We
invite you to visit us to realize, not just read about, all there is to explore,
experience, and enjoy,” Carnes says.
A planned reservoir for water use
There are more good things to come. The city is working on plans
for the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir and the 325 acres the city has purchased in the Bluffs, a mixed-use development totaling 700 acres and
home to the Cherokee County Administrative Complex and Conference
Center, the Cherokee County School District Educational Facility and
Chattahoochee Technical College’s Canton campus. The council has
changed the name of the reservoir to Lake Canton, which covers about
411 acres at full pool with approximately 15 miles of shoreline and is
surrounded by 150-ft buffer. The reservoir’s public access area is near the
intersection of Bluffs Parkway and Fate Conn Road.
“Our citizens invested in the reservoir for future water uses, but Lake
Canton also provides a wonderful recreational asset that can be activated
for their enjoyment,” Grant explains. “The primary reason for the city’s
purchase of the remaining 325 acres at the Bluffs surrounding continued
CTS Principal, John Crawford
continued on page 38
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