Downtown Brunswick named 2026 Downtown of the Year
From left: Ryan Toler, DDA board member; Cassidy Taylor, Development Associate; Brittany Rozier, Events and Marketing Coordinator; Mathew Hill, Executive Director; Whitney Herndon, Chair; Susan Bates, DDA board member; Julie Martin, DDA board member; Lina M. Bareno, Main Street Manager; Aretha Dupree, DDA board member. (provided photo)
The Georgia Downtown Association (GDA) has named Downtown Brunswick its 2026 Downtown of the Year, the organization’s highest honor recognizing excellence in downtown revitalization.
Presented during the GDA Annual Conference in Rome, the award celebrates communities that demonstrate outstanding achievement in planning, historic preservation, economic development, placemaking, organization, and community engagement.
Over the past two decades, Downtown Brunswick has transformed into one of Georgia’s premier downtown destinations through strategic investment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to preserving its historic character while embracing new opportunities for growth.
Today, restored historic buildings house thriving businesses, vibrant public spaces welcome residents and visitors year-round, and downtown serves as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the community, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors annually.
“Downtown of the Year recognizes communities that demonstrate what is possible when vision, collaboration, and long-term commitment come together,” said Jason Ford, president of the Georgia Downtown Association.
“Downtown Brunswick exemplifies the very best of downtown revitalization. Through historic preservation, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to community, Brunswick has created a downtown that is economically resilient, culturally vibrant, and positioned for continued success. Its achievements serve as an inspiration for communities across Georgia.”
Downtown Brunswick’s revitalization has been driven not by a single transformational project, but by years of intentional planning and collaboration among public officials, business owners, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, volunteers, and residents.
Together, these partners have created an environment where entrepreneurship thrives, historic preservation is celebrated, and investment continues to strengthen the district while preserving its unique coastal identity.
Historic buildings that once stood vacant have been restored into thriving restaurants, shops, offices, and gathering places, while new businesses continue to invest alongside long-established local institutions.
Public spaces host festivals, farmers markets, concerts, cultural celebrations, and community events that bring residents and visitors together throughout the year, reinforcing downtown’s role as the center of community life.
Downtown Brunswick’s success extends beyond its physical transformation. Through meaningful partnerships, businesses support programs, placemaking initiatives, and investments in historic preservation, the community has created an inclusive and welcoming downtown that fosters economic opportunity while celebrating its rich history and culture.
The district’s continued momentum is reflected in growing private investment, increased visitation, and renewed confidence in the future of downtown. This recognition celebrates the collective efforts of the business owners, property owners, community leaders, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and residents whose vision and dedication have shaped Downtown Brunswick’s remarkable renaissance. Their shared commitment has created a downtown that not only serves the community today but will continue to inspire future generations.
