Historic Downtown Brunswick, Georgia ~ Founded 1771, Incorporated 1856 Historic Downtown Brunswick has experienced a resurgence of both local and tourist traffic over the past several years, which is supporting a variety of both new and established retail shops, restaurants, and professional service providers. This growth promises to continue assisted by aggressive regional marketing campaigns by the Downtown Development Authority, and national and international marketing through the Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau. Our strong and active Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and the Glynn County Economic Development Authority also work to ensure organization, coordination, development and support for business and industry throughout the county, with planned and balanced growth a priority as we head into this new century. 1999 statistics for a ten-mile radius from the heart of Historic Downtown Brunswick readily illustrate the positive conditions for sustained retail, professional and service industry growth. 1999 Estimate 2004 Projection Population 63,701 67,361 Households 24,986 26,675 1999 Est. Average Household Income: $57,374 1999 Estimated Households By Income: $150,000 or more ~ 4.63% $100,000 to $149,999 ~ 7.32% $75,000 to $99,999 ~ 10.07% $50,000 to $74,999 ~ 19.32% $35,000 to $49,999 ~ 15.56% $25,000 to $34,999 ~ 12.51% $15,000 to $24,999 ~ 13.95% $5,000 to $15,000 ~ 12.51% Under $5,000 ~ 4.13% Note: These population figures do not include the estimated 1.9 million annual visitors to Brunswick and The Golden Isles. The full population data report, prepared by National Data Systems, is available upon request. Historic Downtown Brunswick serves as the seat of both city and county government and is easily accessible from both I-95 and Coastal Highway U.S.17. Many of the government offices are located in historic 19th century structures which are currently being restored to their original grandeur through revenue generated by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). These funds are also being used to restore other public structures, such as the Historic Ritz Theatre, to expand and refurbish the main library, and to complete an extensive streetscape program in the Historic Downtown. Mary Ross Waterfront Park and the adjacent Brunswick Landing Marina play host to a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Mary Ross Park is also a favorite docking site for passenger cruise lines. The park and marina, the antique and specialty shops, galleries and restaurants and the beautiful and extensive historic residential neighborhoods are all located within the Old Town Brunswick National Register Historic District. The National Register designation also provides both federal and state tax credits and/or tax incentives for commercial income-producing properties that meet certain reinvestment criteria. Additionally, The Coastal Area District Development Authority (CADDA) in cooperation with all area banks and the Downtown Development Authority, offers a revolving loan program for income producing properties located within the Downtown Development Authority district. The City of Brunswick has an Historic Preservation Ordinance that ensures the ongoing rehabilitation and preservation of our city's rich architectural history, while enhancing property values on both residential and commercial structures. 2002 will see new projects that will positively impact tourism, residential and commercial growth throughout the city, county, and region. The 2000-plus acre wild animal park being developed by Jim Fowler, world renowned wildlife specialist and former co-host of "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom," will be located on both sides of I-95, a short distance from Brunswick. Featuring both exotics such as elephants, lions, and giraffes, the park will also contain indigenous species that inhabited the area in the 1700's, such as black bears, wolves and white-tailed deer. Visitors will be transported through the grounds in caged, safari-style vehicles, with the animals roaming freely around them. The new Sidney Lanier Bridge will soon become the tallest bridge in Georgia, soaring to 486 feet. With a scheduled completion date in 2002, the bridge will ease delays on Coastal Highway U.S.17 caused by the present 1950's style drawbridge, while allowing for larger international cargo ships to pass beneath her majestic one mile-plus span. The International Port of Brunswick is preparing for greatly increased shipping traffic and revenues as the new bridge, along with a deepening of the shipping channel, will allow this premier port facility to accommodate vessels of all weights and sizes. We welcome inquiries on a wide range of topics, including: state and federal tax incentives commercial and residential property within the Historic District listings of licensed real estate professionals new business start-ups and relocating/expanding established businesses full population data report contractors and sub-contractors recommended by local property owners guide books and brochures on the Historic Old Town residential district and the arts, antiques, specialty shops and restaurants information on City ordinances and contacts within City government Please contact Meredith Hanak, Executive Director by E-mail, by phone at: 912-265-4032; or fax: 912-265-8181 Downtown Development Authority PO Box 684 (31521) * 1327 Union Street Brunswick, Georgia, 31520 Shops & Restaurants | Festivals | Business Climate Old Town | Home | Email | Top