With new event space, bakery, Downtown Gordon begins to thrive

Many downtowns, left for dead back in the 1980s, have found a new lease on life across Georgia and the rest of the nation in the last few decades.

That momentum, however, was slow to catch on around downtown Gordon. Now, though, there appears to be some legitimate momentum happening around Wilkinson County’s largest town. DG Market, which is Dollar General’s better-off cousin, is slated to open later this year at the old Hobo Junction property. DG Markets are roughly twice the size of typical Dollar General stores and more closely mimic grocery stores.

Then, there’s Zest Bake+Create, a new bakery on Railroad Street that will hold its grand opening to the public May 17. 

Maya Whipple, the bakery’s owners, actually held a soft opening two weeks ago, debuting with cookies, cupcakes, macarons, cheese straws, petit fours, cinnamon rolls, lemon bliss bites, brownies and muffins. 

Beverages, both hot and cold, are another central part of the business plan. The soft opening included lattes, espressos, iced coffees, lemonade, flavored milk and milk alternatives.

Rob and Jenn Morris, who first moved to town in 2016, sort of got the ball rolling three years ago, purchasing three different downtown properties – the old Peoples Bank building at 121 Railroad Street, the old parts store at 204 Paper Mill Road, as well as “the old water tower” property at 149 Macon Road.

The Paper Mill Road property was the first to see action, opening last spring as Paper Mill Market, a consignment store/gift shop. 

Recently, however, Paper Mill Market relocated to Irwinton, thus making way for The Millings, a new event space that’s now available to rent out. The Millings has a capacity of 150 people and is “a modern versatile venue with indoor and outdoor space; perfect for conferences, weddings, showers and large gatherings, boasting stunning natural light and flexible layouts,” according to its website – www.themillings.com

“It turned out beautifully, both the inside and the outside,” Jenn Morris said. “We can’t wait to show it off.”

Meanwhile, work continues around the “old water tower property,” which is being converted into Tower Laundry, which will have 10 washer and dryers, as well as a large center table made from reclaimed wood from the People’s Bank building. 

In terms of the People’s Bank property, Jenn Morris said that an announcement will be coming soon. In the meantime, the Morrises have hired an architect who specializes in historic buildings.

Jenn Morris said that much progress has been made, although much work still remains.

“We are determined to make Gordon a viable downtown,” she said.