Regency Mall update: Are grand revival plans still in store?

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Plans were announced two years ago for a major redevelopment of the site of the partially demolished Regency Mall.

Among the promised amenities were housing for up to 2,000 residents, a grocery store, several restaurants, a fitness center, a performing arts center, an “academic facility,” green space and stores.

The development would be called Cardinal Town Square.

Architectural illustrations showed a dazzling vision for the 50-acre site of the mall that’s been closed for two decades.

Former Richmond County Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick unveiled the proposal in May 2022 while running for mayor – a race he didn’t win.

“I realize there might be skepticism, but this one is different,” he said at the time.

Two years later, there’s been no visible progress.

Back in April of last year, claims were made that students would be in desks for the 2024-25 school year in a brand-new charter school.

But the mall still sits abandoned.

Despite the lack of developments, leaders behind the first phase say things are on track to open up the school in the fall of this year. Both students and staff are already committed.

“Well, it’s still a mess over there and it seems like it’s taking them forever to get something actually started,” said Bonnie Jackson, who lives nearby.

Despite the dazzling plans for a new community center, Jackson says she’s not impressed. She has been a native Augustan for more than 80 years and just wants something done to this space that used to bring her joy.

“I wish they would fix something that would benefit the city of Augusta instead of this trash pile over there,” said Jackson. “We need something on this side of town, we really do.”

Chairman for the Georgia School for Innovation, Robert Buchwitz, says despite the look, things are still on track for fall.

The new charter school is set to open up inside the old Sears call center.

“We’re having a limited number of students that we’re opening with, opening kindergarten through 4th grade,” said Buchwitz.

He says about 100 students are already committed, and some staff have already been hired. He says more developments will follow soon after.

“I think you’re going to see a huge economic impact,” he said. “The Cardinale family is going to start the residential in the Fall, the commercial will follow soon thereafter.”

For Ms. Jackson, it’s better late than never.

“We desperately need something done, and I would anything they do,” she said.

Buchwitz says the state approval for the charter school plans is due on the 15th of this week and says he hopes to get his results back in less than a month.

Since the mall’s closure, the interior was gutted and sealed up because people were sneaking into it. And a part has been demolished.

Cardinal Square would utilize part of the remaining mall structure.

The restaurants and apartments would be built around the remaining mall building.

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