Businesses tend to thrive along urban trails due to the high level of foot traffic, and in turn, these businesses act as catalysts for community in various ways, such as providing visitors with “third
places” and “eyes on the street.” However, with growth and development often comes
gentrification, when existing neighborhood residents are pushed out of the area due to rising
rents. This thesis proposes several locations in Athens, GA in which to cultivate small business
districts along urban trails, while also seeking ways to preserve the local community.
Methodology includes exploring best practices from gentrification research and case studies,
utilizing GIS layers to inform development, researching future development plans to suggest
suitable locations, and using design to reimagine the proposed spaces. Site selection for these
nodes is based on redevelopment plans, parcels that are consistent with ecological goals,
available or underutilized properties, and existing structures that could be repurposed. The
outcome of this thesis provides suggestions for creating business “nodes” along urban trails.
