Roswell's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and transportation department will begin working in conjunction on a concept for a new civic square in the historic district, according to a report by Neighbor Newspapers.

The idea for the new square - at the Highway 9/Magnolia Street intersection - was brought about by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company (DPZ) during its study of the historic gateway area earlier this year, as previously reported by Roswell Patch. The square, or plaza, would serve as an intermediary space between Roswell City Hall and the Canton Street shopping and dining district. Several new buildings could potentially be part of the concept, which would also set up a new multi-option flow of traffic into the historic gateway.

According to the Neighbor article, a pedestrian underpass could also be part of the design. The underpass would lend for easier access to the 400 parking spaces at Roswell City Hall.

The hopes are that the new square would lead to economic development and growth in more areas of the historic district - the DDA's mission.

The intersection re-design will have to come before the Roswell City Council before any actual work begins. It could take several months for a clear concept to emerge.