Rockmart had one of those years where one announcement came after another, and hammers were swinging all across the city limits to bring about big developments for 2024.
Some of those are still in the planning stages, while others are already well on their way toward opening days in the year to come.
Here’s a brief rundown of some of the announcements and decisions made that will shape Rockmart in the years to come:
New housing sought within city limits
The Rockmart City Council approved an annexation request to create a subdivision within city limits that ultimately seeks to bring more than 280 homes behind Walmart.
Artisan Built Communities is heading up the project, which hadn’t reached the groundbreaking stage just yet. At least none that have been reported to us before year’s end.
Dinner & Dessert take over busy corner
One of the other big announcements made in January 2024 was the request made by Dunkin Donuts and Longhorn Steakhouse via a developer who owns the land to begin building on the corner of Goodyear Avenue and Nathan Dean Parkway. Work got underway over the summer months, and the site is well on the way to 2025 openings.
Custard Competition moving into town too
Coming soon to the other side of the corner on Nathan Dean Parkway: Culver’s.
A Wisconsin-based national eatery featuring a burger-and-fries style American menu is known most for its frozen custard for dessert.
Site development was finished up – including a parking lot and utility stubs for the new restaurant – but no word was yet reported on a groundbreaking for the rest of the restaurant being constructed in front of Walmart.
New global headquarters now on Goodyear Ave
The old plant on Goodyear Avenue with its namesake company still remembered in Rockmart is now the world headquarters for a whole new company: Axillion Aerospace. Many of the former divisions of Parker-Meggitt were spun off in November.
Rockmart became the global headquarters of the new company still owned by the parent company, but became its own standalone organization that still produces a variety of military and commercial equipment for aircraft.
Downtown open for business
New additions joined the ranks of downtown business owners during the past year – some with local ties, and others expanding beyond their previous territory to reach new customers. Among those expansions was F.K. Jones Funeral Home, who are serving families in two locations: Rome and East Elm Street in Rockmart.
The Olive Press celebrated their opening in downtown Rockmart in August after working on a new storefront near the corner of South Marble Street and Church Street along the main square. The Christian-focused bookstore offers more than just shelves of titles, but also opportunities to take part bible studies and other events.
El Coyote has been a hotspot for those who have enjoyed a tasty meal or two at their former home on North Piedmont Avenue where Pizza Depot once sat, but now they have moved downtown and taken over another previous popular location. Just across from Seaborn Jones Park, the new location for El Coyote has already hosted plenty of events and delicious dinners for Polk patrons.
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