The Roswell Downtown Development Authority will vote Thursday, Aug. 13, on an intergovernmental agreement with the city over the Hillrose Water Tower and approve contracts to paint the landmark structure, according to the DDA's agenda published Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The votes mark the first formal public action defining how the city and its development authority will share responsibility for the water tower, a visible piece of the $140 million Hillrose Market project rising across from City Hall on Hill Street.
Dollar figures for the painting contracts and terms of the intergovernmental agreement were not listed in the agenda.
What's on the table
The meeting, set for 3 p.m. in Room 220 at City Hall, 38 Hill St., carries a packed slate under New Business:
- Approval of the Hillrose Water Tower IGA with the City of Roswell
- Approval of agreements to paint the water tower
- A Hillrose Market project update
- Spending votes for the Roswell Inc. golf scramble and a sponsorship of the Roswell Inc. Regional Economic Breakfast
- An Independence High School redevelopment update
The agenda also notes a possible quorum of Mayor Mary Robichaux and City Council members at the meeting. Under Georgia's Open Meetings Act, that notation is required when enough elected officials plan to attend a separate public body's session, and it signals broad city leadership interest in the DDA's Hillrose decisions.
Hillrose Market context
Hillrose Market is a 7-acre mixed-use development being built by Atlanta-based Atlantic Companies on the former Roswell Police Department headquarters site at 39 Hill St. The project includes a 75,000-square-foot retail village, 143 apartments, 16 townhomes, a 370-space parking deck and a trail connection to the Canton Street Historic District. Buildings are expected to open in the second half of 2027, according to Roswell Connections.
Construction financing closed earlier this year through SouthState Bank and a DDA revenue bond. Economic Development Director Darryl Connelly has presented monthly Hillrose updates to the DDA board throughout 2026, according to meeting minutes.
When construction officially launched in March, Mayor Robichaux called the project "truly transformational for downtown Roswell," adding that "Roswell residents can look forward to a true residential, commercial, and community asset," as reported by Urbanize Atlanta.
Other business
The DDA will also consider entering executive session for discussions on real estate, potential litigation and personnel matters. The Independence High School item appears under that section. At its July 7 meeting, the board approved a broker for the former school property's redevelopment, though details of that project remain limited.
In February, the DDA approved $2,500 each for a Roswell Music Festival sponsorship and a Roswell Inc. luncheon. The August spending amounts for the golf scramble and economic breakfast have not been disclosed.
How to attend
The meeting is open to the public at City Hall, Room 220, 38 Hill St. DDA Chair Trent McClure presides. The board typically meets on the second Thursday of each month; no September agenda has been posted.
