Canton Street Wins Great Places in Georgia Award

The secret is out about Roswell's historic treasure - Canton Street!

The setting for great shopping, dining and special events like Alive After 5 was recently awarded the "2011 Great Places in Georgia - Great Street" by the Georgia Planning Association (GPA). Canton Street was described as "the hottest scene OTP" (OTP-outside the perimeter.)

The GPA award acknowledges that good planning has been crucial to preserving Canton Street and making it the vibrant "great street" it is today. Canton Street received this award because of the alfresco dining craze, being a walker's dream street and for the people looking for "the Virginia Highland experience OTP, Canton Street has it covered."

According to the award, "historic commercial buildings and historic homes house restaurants, offices, retail and residential space. The heart of Roswell Park [at the Canton and Magnolia streets intersection] provides a public park space in a historic commercial area and narrow streets with brick sidewalks and street trees provide character-defining elements that contribute to an enjoyable experience for all and provide the setting for a variety of experiences including shopping dining and festivals. Good planning has been crucial to making Canton Street a 'Great Street in Georgia!' Citizens and visitors alike enjoy this historic and memorable sense of place."

The GPA is an official chapter of the American Planning Association (APA). GPA is a 1,000-plus member organization of professional planners and planning officials who serve Georgia's communities in many ways, at all levels of government, the private sector and not-for-profit organizations.

A special presentation will be made at the upcoming in recognition of the award on Monday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.