Movie studios coming to Regency Mall (weddings, tax, living)

[nortonguy]

I remember Regency Mall was marketed for the Walking dead. The film industry in Augusta wasn't as organized then. The commission meeting tomorrow decides who becomes the official designation. Maybe the CVB should focus on attracting festivals, family reunions, weddings, and events.

EXCLUSIVE: Investors look to make old Regency Mall into movie studios
The Augusta Film Office has been working with a credible investor to possibly turn this location into studio space," film office Director Brad Owens said. "The Regency Mall is perfect, 800,000 square feet and it's already been gutted by the current owners. It's pretty much a blank canvas for filmmakers to come in and make it into studio space," Owens said. Owens said this isn't just hypothetical hopes and dreams. It's a true working reality.

"This was our ten year plan. The investors took a look at it and wanted to see it happen in 1-3 years," Owens said. Owens says the regional investors, at least one out of North Carolina, have the vision and the money to make it happen. "This is not a small project. We're talking tens of millions of dollars," he said. "Let's just say they have the capacity to put the money on the table that would be necessary for a project of this size."

They're not naming these secret investors yet, but Owens says they were in town for the Masters and toured the property while they were here. A couple weeks ago, we also spotted a tweet -- since deleted -- from a film producer with INSP films about what could be in store. It said:" I'll keep it very vague for now, but keep your eye out for some HUGE things coming soon. #takeover." Attached was a rendering of what looked like the old Regency Mall.

[Carolina Knight]

Whatever makes the Regency Mall site positively usable is worth it.

[nortonguy]

Any new tax base is welcomed.

[amlovingit]

Smiling from ear to ear. I been an advocate for the Regency Mall for along time I am so glad to hear this news. fingers cross though

[nortonguy]

The Regency mall area could literally change overnight. The commission meeting tomorrow will decide a lot.

[Dburger]

Originally Posted by Carolina Knight

Whatever makes the Regency Mall site positively usable is worth it.

Yes, we do need some positivity down here on DBR Used to go into the Regency all the time, been living just down the street from it for years. Never thought anything would ever be done.

[PJA]

Fingers crossed that this happens. That would definitely be a much needed a shot in the arm for that immediate area.

[Dburger]

Originally Posted by PJA

That would definitely be a much needed a shot in the arm for that immediate area.

What do you mean by this, exactly?

[amlovingit]

Originally Posted by Dburger

What do you mean by this, exactly?

Drive toward Southwest Augusta it will tell you a lot of what he saying.

[Dburger]

Originally Posted by amlovingit

Drive toward Southwest Augusta it will tell you a lot of what he saying.

I've lived in it for 47 years now (66 if you count my entire family), off Deans Bridge Road. Very, very rarely do I go into downtown or the northern part of the city at all. It's an okay area for what it is. Most definitely not the nicest, but it's okay.