Gadsden, AL-  This past February, Mayor Sherman Guyton was one of five mayors chosen to participate in the Design Alabama Mayors Summit, held in Prattville, Alabama. This year’s summit focused on River Cities and their unique challenges and advantages. Design Alabama’s goal is to instill a sense of planning and design excellence in Alabama mayors that will allow them to be advocates for and leaders in the design process as it relates to economic development in their individual communities.

Gadsden is honored to be included in the annual Alabama Mayor's Design Summit. This year’s participants were Selma, Florence, York, Decatur, and Gadsden. Thoughtful city planning is crucial to quality of life, economic growth, tourism, and good jobs.

Mayor Guyton presented the City of Gadsden’s challenge of continuing to develop the land on the banks of the Coosa River running through the heart of the city. Several major riverfront projects have been completed, including the Coosa Landing Boat Launch and Riverwalk, while The Venue at Coosa Landing is nearing completion.

“Most cities would kill to have a river running right through downtown. We’re developing the riverfront in a smart, sustainable way to take Gadsden to the next level. The summit connected us with great professionals to advise us as we plan for future growth,” said Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton.

Riverfront Development land use and development planning were the focus of the Design Alabama Mayors Summit project for Gadsden. The competing assets of the scenic site of the municipal complex that stretches from the Broad Street Memorial Bridge all the way to Moragne Park and the challenges of a highway running along the shoreline were closely analyzed by an experienced design team.

Connecting both the East and West banks of the Coosa River through planned development is the key next step in growing the Riverfront District. How do we connect the revitalized downtown core, and the outdated municipal complex with the riverfront redevelopment all while they are separated by a major highway and river? More design, planning, and development news is anticipated soon with the next phase of the Riverfront District.