Statement on Bridger's Polk Street Development

Rendering showing the proposed development with the William Root House at right.

​Bridger Properties has a mixed-use development planned for a site adjacent to the William Root House, Marietta Square Market, and Marietta Station. The plan has elicited many opinions. Cobb Landmarks staff, with the blessing of the Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees, would like to share our understanding of the process to date, as well as our concerns moving forward.

The first design proposed by Bridger was denied Spring 2023 by the Historic Board and City Council for failing to comply with Historic Board of Review guidelines. Bridger was then prompted to release a public survey asking for input from the community for a new design.
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• Bridger hosted a productive town hall meeting (which had 70+ RSVPs).
• Bridger met with community stakeholders, including Cobb Landmarks, to obtain feedback throughout the redesign process.
• Cobb Landmarks led Bridger through an in-depth study of local and regional historic buildings. The currently proposed redesign reflects various elements found during this exercise.
• One such element is the proposed Denmead Alley, which would create an appealing 19th century-style streetscape environment that is sympathetic to the circa 1840s William Root House.
• From Cobb Landmarks’ understanding, the current proposal strictly adheres to Historic Board of Review guidelines. As such, the reason(s) for the Historic Board’s denial of Bridger’s application is unclear to Cobb Landmarks.
• If the concern is parking and traffic, Cobb Landmarks would like to note that the developer is not responsible for pre-existing zoning and ordinances that allow for the scale and type of project proposed. Furthermore, a recent parking study completed by the city indicates an excess of parking around the Marietta Square at any given time.

If City Council were to reject the proposed plan, Cobb Landmarks understands that the only means of appeal for Bridger would be legal action. Should litigation ensue, Cobb Landmarks is concerned that if Bridger prevailed, they would no longer utilize any of the historical elements currently proposed and could instead construct a development which is not sympathetic with the surrounding historic area.

In conclusion, Cobb Landmarks staff worked closely with Bridger representatives and their architect throughout the redesign of this project. We valued the opportunity to meet and consult with them and appreciate their sincere effort to please the community. In our experience, Bridger has been more than accommodating as they have attempted to create a design that meets historic guidelines, zoning, and ordinances.
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Proposed Denmead Alley with the Root House Visitor Center shown at left.