Senoia’s Historic Development Ventures, LLC received statewide recognition June 27 when it was presented with the Georgia Cities Foundation Renaissance Award in Savannah. The award recognized the community contributions of company principals Paul Lombardi and Scott Tigchelaar.
“The investments provided by Historic Development Ventures have been key elements in the revitalization of Senoia,” said Georgia Cities Foundation President Mike Starr. “Without question, this company, led by Tigchelaar and Lombardi, has been an instrumental player in turning downtown Senoia into a vibrant place to live, work, dine and play.”
The Renaissance Award recognizes an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the revitalization of one or more of Georgia’s cities. Historic Development Ventures, which was nominated by the Senoia Downtown Development Authority, has been involved in downtown development for the past four years and has designed all of its downtown infill development to blend seamlessly with Senoia’s early 1900s architectural style.
Neither Lombardi nor Tigchelaar were able to attend the award presentation. But referencing the award June 28, Tigchelaar, as is customary for he and Lombardi, was quick to give the credit to Senoia community.
“We’re very proud to have been selected for such an honor. It’s a testament to the hard work of so many people in Senoia to transform the city. There is no one group that can take credit for everything that’s going on. It’s a team effort and the city is becoming a very special place as a result,” Tigchelaar said, noting the contributions of citizens, businesses, city government, the Downtown Development Authority and Historical Development Ventures.
The company has invested more than $12 million and built 50,000 square feet of new office, retail and restaurant space and restored three buildings on Main Street, two of which have become additional restaurants and one which is used by the Downtown Development Authority as a welcome center, according to Georgia Cities Foundation. They have also developed an award winning and environmentally friendly parking lot adjacent to the heart of downtown, adding 88 free parking spaces to the city’s center of commerce.
“This award puts Senoia in the spotlight statewide,” said Downtown Development Authority Chairman Suzanne Helfman. “The economic development that this project has brought to Senoia is immeasurable. So this is a huge thing for Senoia.”
