Business View Magazine - November 2016

114 Business View Magazine - November 2016 that money came from federal grants, where the city only had to put in 20 percent,” she says. “Summer County also contributed a chunk of money to the proj- ect because it’s the County Court House that’s on the square. The Greenway projects were approximately $5 million for the three parts.” Bates believes that these redevelopment projects have significantly improved the look and attractive- ness of downtown, helping to generate a different mix of retail businesses, there. “We’ve gone from primar- ily an office complex area to one-of-a-kind restaurants, retail shops, boutiques, and an art mall venue where local artists have booths,” she reports. “Because the streetscape was done and the downtown was new, one of the most successful projects that was start- ed by the city was a summer concert series. Once a month the square is closed off and a couple of thou- sand people come downtown. It’s a family event. It’s free to the public and, of course, the people patronize the businesses. But it also showcases the downtown and draws interest, not only from Gallatin and around Summer County, but from middle Tennessee, as well. So, it’s been one of our signature events that’s created an opportunity for us to market ourselves outside our city.” While Gallatin’s revived downtown is drawing new busi- nesses and people to the city’s core, large firms in its industrial areas already employ thousands of Gallatin