Riverside Parkway starting to click with restaurants, medical, potential retail near State Mutual Stadium
As appearing on HometownHeadlines.Com
By Natalie Simms
In less than three months, the Rome Braves will start their eighth season in Rome and as they take the field, development around State Mutual Stadium is finally poised to bloom.
Fuddrucker’s was first on the scene soon after the Braves came to town and a lot has been proposed since then: hotels, sports complexes, medical campuses and several spins on retail power centers.
Finally, the Riverside Parkway/Bypass corridor is starting to boom thanks to a new restaurant, dental offices, the proposed Boulevard and more than 50 new acres about to come on the market..
Here’s a look at what’s under way and what potentially ’s on the way:
The Boulevard plan calls for retail, medical and related development around State Mutual Stadium, which welcomes the Rome Braves for the eighth season beginning in April.
BELLA ROMA GRILL, THE BOULEVARD: On the other side of the Bypass, future development is picking up with the recent opening of Bella Roma Grill. The restaurant opened last week in building directly in front of the stadium. It originally was built to be a Hooters opening in May 2008.
Opening week business has been busy for owner Eddie Hasko. “It has been very good…a lot more business than I expected. But, we’re still a work in progress, so we look forward to the start of the (Rome) Braves’ season,” he says.
The restaurant also is a big plus for the proposed Boulevard project under the development of Doc Kibler and Dee Yancey.
“I spoke with Eddie (Hasko) and he said business is better than he expected and the timing is perfect for us,” Kibler says. “And the Armuchee Connector should have some construction under way in the spring, so we have more happening here than anywhere in Rome.”
Kibler’s vision for The Boulevard includes the potential of regional and national shopping, specialty grocers and entertainment anchors in phases two and three as well as the opportunity for a medical complex featuring late-night daycare options for diners, baseball fans and moviegoers.
“We are very optimistic about 2010 and hope to start this year with a bang,” Kibler says. “We have had lots of inquiries and some deals pending. Some tenants are trying to get financing and some national retailers are working on getting committee approvals. Nothing is set in stone, but we hope to be announcing some great things soon.”
And once the Armuchee Connector is under way, the development opportunities will abound along the corridor and impacting growth around the stadium.
“There is so much traffic out there with car counts and the more offices and businesses out there will only increase the traffic,” Kibler says. “Everything out there can’t do anything but help Rome.”
Renovations Underway At The Boulevard
Bella Roma Before Renovations
Renovations have begun at Rome Boulevard on the site purchased by Eddie Hasko last month. Aiming to build on the success of his Armuchee restaurant, Bella Roma, the new concept will take a grill approach and include American bar food alongside his authentic Italian menu.
“We’ve had great after four years in the original location,” Hasko said, “and I’m excited about trying some new things to appeal to a baseball-loving crowd.” Bella Rome Grill is set to be open in late November or early December with a look that will be a drastic change from the current facade.
The renovation will bring stone patios and tuscan-style stucco to the now vinyl building. When asked about the renovation plans. Hasko is confident that the community will love the changes. “it will be beautiful. We Italians know beautiful.”
Bella Roma Grill is sure to be fitting complement to the Boulevard’s Boardwalk series to be built between Veterans Memorial Parkway and Braves Boulevard. Be sure to watch as renovations unfold over the next three months.
Rome News Tribune Coverage: http://tinyurl.com/kqtrj2
