top of page

ST. MARYS

SHAPING THE FUTURE

of

georgia

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The St. Marys Main Street Program, in partnership with the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, is leading a collaborative effort to strengthen the city’s identity, enhance public spaces, and support long-term economic growth. This initiative includes a comprehensive citywide community branding process and a Renaissance Strategic Vision and Plan (RSVP) focused on a new governmental center and other city-owned properties, along with targeted improvements along Osborne Road. The plan will explore streetscape improvements, wayfinding systems, and business-friendly policies to support a thriving and welcoming St. Marys. Your input is essential, help shape the future by participating in our online survey and sharing your vision for St. Marys!

st marys drone photo.jpg

Please share your ideas with us!

About the Project

The City of St. Marys is undergoing a comprehensive 18-month branding and design process led by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, in collaboration with a steering committee of dedicated local business owners, residents, elected officials, and representatives from the nearby naval base. This initiative ensures that the final brand and designs reflect the public’s vision, the city’s unique character, and its long-term economic goals.

 

The process is divided into two phases:

Phase 1: Branding St. Marys – Establishing a distinct identity for the city through logo development, messaging, and marketing strategies that highlight its coastal charm, historic significance, and welcoming community.

A strong brand is more than just a logo—it shapes identity, encourages public pride, and ensures cohesive messaging across all aspects of city life. Strategic branding will be integrated into gateway signage and wayfinding systems, reinforcing a sense of place and making St. Marys more accessible to both residents and visitors. Branded elements will also play a critical role in emergency communications, ensuring that vital information is conveyed quickly and effectively in times of need.

 

Phase 2: Design & Visioning –This phase focuses on enhancing key city-owned properties, including the proposed governmental center, while making strategic improvements to the surrounding public spaces. While Osborne Road remains a vital corridor, its state-controlled status limits major design interventions. However, the plan will explore ways to improve the right-of-way where possible, enhance connectivity, and reinforce the city’s identity through branding and streetscape elements. This phase will include:

  • Streetscape and façade design to enhance walkability, aesthetics, and accessibility.

  • Strategic branding elements such as gateway signage, wayfinding systems, and public art to reinforce the city’s identity.

  • Business-friendly policy recommendations to encourage investment and support local entrepreneurs.

  • Redevelopment design concepts of underutilized spaces into dynamic mixed-use and green areas.

By focusing on these targeted improvements, St. Marys is positioning itself for sustainable growth while maintaining its unique character and sense of place.

PHASE ONE

Public Input

The project begins with a robust public engagement process to ensure that branding, planning, and design efforts reflect the community’s values and priorities. This phase includes in-person focus groups, virtual meetings, surveys, and interviews with key stakeholders, residents, and business owners. The input gathered will help shape the city’s identity, redevelopment goals, and corridor enhancements, ensuring alignment with the needs of the community.

PHASE TWO

Branding

This phase focuses on developing a cohesive brand identity for St. Marys, including a recognizable visual identity, consistent messaging, and branding materials for city departments, public spaces, and marketing efforts. Public engagement will guide the creation of logos, signage, and promotional materials that reflect the city’s unique character and appeal to residents, visitors, and businesses. The new brand will also enhance citywide communications, ensuring clear and professional messaging across digital platforms, printed materials, and public signage. A strong, unified brand is especially crucial during emergencies and extreme weather events, helping the city quickly and effectively distribute critical information through trusted and easily recognizable channels.

PHASE THREE

Planning & Design

In this phase, the project will refine redevelopment strategies, corridor enhancements, and placemaking initiatives based on community input. Key efforts include streetscape improvements, public space enhancements, mixed-use development planning, and wayfinding system designs to foster economic growth and community pride.

Studio Team St. MArys.png

CONTACT

CANDACE PULLUM
Main Street Manager
Main Street Office,406 Osborne Street
St. Marys, GA 31558
​
Email: cpullum@stmarysga.gov
Phone: (912) 510-4042

bottom of page