Local developer shares new vision

Eulalia Group to transform Blaine St. neighborhood

Chad Draper with The Eulalia Group shares proposed site plan for the Blaine Station project under consideration on Blaine Street in Monroe. Photo credit: Stephen Milligan | The Walton Tribune

Right now it’s just an empty parking lot and some vacant storefronts.

But Chad Draper sees hidden promise in this bit of industrial blight and hopes to transform it into something marvelous.

Draper, owner of development firm The Eulalia Group, and his partner Susan Sykes held a public forum earlier this month to share that glimpse of hidden promise with the public.

“We want to build what we wish was here,” Draper said.

And what they wish was here is a high-density mix of residential units and retail shops, essentially creating a miniature community just one mile from downtown Monroe to extend the city’s footprint where there is currently little to nothing.

“We’re trying to expand the small town feel,” Draper said.

Current plans call to extend Edwards Street by removing one of the commercial units currently in place and creating a thoroughfare right in front of the Monroe Police Department.

“Edwards Street is a very walkable route,” Draper said. “It’s exactly one mile from downtown, too.”

The current plans include a center plaza, housing units from apartments above retail spaces to town homes and more.

“We’re not trying to create another downtown,” Draper said. “We want to build a neighborhood. We’re looking for feedback on housing types and input on commercial spaces.”

The 8-acre site could hold up to 70 livable spaces, but Draper wants to make it open to residents of all incomes.

“We do want to make it affordable,” Draper said.

Around 50 people came out to take a look at the project and weigh in, with most expressing interest and approval, though a few complained of growing sprawl and a fear Monroe could end up looking more like Lawrenceville or other over-developed suburban spaces.

Sykes said they are keeping such concerns in mind as they move forward.

“We want responsible growth,” Sykes said. “But growth is coming one way or another. We simply want to push it in the right direction.”

Draper and Sykes plan to have another public meeting about Blaine Station on Feb. 10 as they continue to seek out feedback.

“It’s still conceptual in nature,” Draper said.