Around Town: First 100 Residences in Nova River District Due in a Year. Nathan Deal's Latest 'Veto' Has Local Touch

For several months, a large construction crane has towered over downtown Rome’s River District, signaling what’s to come.

The crane remains quite active even as the “visuals” along the Oostanaula River seem to change by the day.

The ground floor quickly came together as did the elevator shafts. And now you’re seeing each story rise with new lumber and other improvements. The crews’ speed has been impressive, especially in this heat and all the rain.

So how’s it really going? Here’s the latest from Jeff Warwick, the chief executive officer of CCI Real Estate, on the $61 million Nova River District campus off West Third:

♦ “Vertical construction is moving at a solid pace, and we’re scheduled to deliver the first 100 residences in 12 months.” There are 250 residences are planned overall, including 186 one-bedroom units and 64 two-bedroom residences.

♦ “We’re currently working on the first retail tenant, so look for an exciting announcement soon.” Some 10,000 square feet of retail space is included in the project.

There’s much more to come nearby as well, including the city of Rome’s long-planned streetscape and a few new businesses along North Fifth Avenue, especially as production of Harvest Moon’s Wicked Pimina Cheese has shifted to a new spot, creating another vacancy.

Business, Inc.

Reports from Reuters and the Wall Street Journal on Monday indicate that Kellanova the company behind Rice Krispies Treats, which are primarily made in Rome, may be up for sale. Confectionery king Mars is the prospective buyer.

Updates on some of the projects now underway:

Summit Hill grows:♦ Earlier this year, the company at 333 Old Lindale Road announced a $10 million expansion. Last month, the company was awarded a nearly $3.5 million building permit to add a freezer, loading dock and interior anteroom.

Going up: Building permits show the strip center planned adjacent to Lumina Coffee and Rocket Wash off Braves Boulevard will cost at least $2.7 million. Sinya Enterprises has permits for “a liquor store and future tenant” near AdventHealth Stadium♦ . Earlier reports said a convenience store and small fast-food operation are planned as well.

Dollar Tree update: A $600,000 permit is out for a Dollar Tree at 4400 Martha Berry Highway. It is a busy time for the discount stores with competitor Dollar General opening a DG Market♦ on Kingston Highway late last month.

Spirit Halloween returns: The annual haunting of the former Toys R Us building outside Mount Berry Mall is on the way. The mall’s owners, Hull Property Group♦ , received a permit to restore electricity there for the pop-up’s season run. Dalton and Marietta stores also are planned.

Nathan’s new deal: Author

Former governor writes children’s book — with local artist providing the cover: One of the politicians we’ve tracked for more than 30 years has risen from a legislator to congressman to governor — and now author. Former Gov. Nathan Deal has written a book aimed at a middle grade level titled “Veto, the Governor’s Cat.”

And now the local spin — the cover and illustrations are the creations of longtime Rome artist Cheryl Riner Hodge. Plus the governor is scheduled to be at River & Hill Books at 412 Broad St. to sign copies at 6 p.m. Aug. 22.

You can reserve a seat at: RiverAndHillBooks.com/events

Popcorn & Politics

What’s ahead in Campaign 2024:

Tonight: Floyd County elections board meeting; at the elections office♦ on East 12th Street. 5:30 p.m. caucus, meeting at 6. Agenda: Includes South Floyd precinct move.

Aug. 17: The annual Republican Tillman Rally at Coosa Valley Fairgrounds,♦ from noon until 3 p.m. Gates open at 11 a.m.; free admission.

Peaks & Valleys

The highs and lows of Northwest Georgia

Peak to those feeding area residents in need: You read about Gregory Greene and his “teamsters” last week as they unite under the name Fork, Spoon & Plate to provide Wednesday meals and other goods to more than 100 people. You’ve also heard about Sunday and Tuesday meals provided by other groups in addition to the Community Kitchen’s efforts. All are to be commended — and supported — but we wonder if it isn’t time to unite them into a loose association to pool resources and donations. The need isn’t going away.

Valley to the end of the “Endless Summer”: Most area schools are back in session while the college students aren’t far behind. Preseason football is on TV — and at the local high school stadiums. The nauseous smell of pumpkin spice is in the air and can the Christmas decoration displays be far behind? Labor Day is still 27 days off but we’re already saying goodbye to the Summer of ‘24 — with the exception of the blistering heat. Who put an end to our endless summers?