Thomaston-Upson Georgia Initiative for Community Housing - GICH Team

09/04/2026

Tomorrow is an exciting day for Thomaston!

We’re celebrating the official groundbreaking of Elliott Crossing, a new 90-home neighborhood just north of downtown Thomaston.

This project represents a major investment in the future of our community and will be the largest residential development in Upson County in the last century.

Through Georgia’s Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, the City of Thomaston received a $2.47 million grant to help fund infrastructure for the development. That investment will help keep home prices more attainable, with homes expected to range from approximately $175,000–$290,000.

Elliott Crossing will feature detached single-family homes ranging from two to four bedrooms, along with greenspace and a neighborhood park. The development is also designed to encourage homeownership, with homes required to be owner-occupied rather than used as investment properties for the first 20 years.

Most importantly, this is about creating opportunities for people who live and work in our community to put down roots and own a home here.

Groundbreaking Ceremony
Tomorrow — Friday, September 4
10:30 a.m.
North Church Street, across from Piggly Wiggly

We’re excited to celebrate another big step forward for Thomaston!

Learn more about this project, see Luke Haney’s article in the Upson Beacon here:

In anticipation of an incoming 90-home neighborhood adjacent to downtown Thomaston, Economic Development Director Taylor Smith and representatives of Smith Douglas Homes sat with The Upson Beacon to hear about

09/02/2026

Last week, we were excited to welcome ULI Atlanta (Urban Land Institute) to Thomaston! ULI brings together professionals in land use, development, planning, and community growth to help communities turn big ideas into practical strategies.

ULI worked alongside our GICH team and the City of Thomaston to help us prioritize actionable projects and determine next steps coming out of our collaborations with UGA, Clemson, and Georgia Tech, with a special focus on East Thomaston.

📸 One of the photos below shows Rick Jacques giving the ULI team a tour of Maple Mills, home to Jacques’ Moccasin Metals and Lucky Lefty, and sharing firsthand how this historic property is being brought to life in new ways.

We’re grateful for ULI’s expertise and excited to keep moving these ideas from planning into action! ❤️🏡

07/22/2026

Exciting progress in Thomaston!

We're thrilled to share an update on The Cottages of Silvertown, a wonderful new home community bringing much-needed housing to Upson County. In the historic Silvertown Mill Village, Smith-Douglas Homes is building cottage-style duplexes to match the existing homes, and the response has been incredible.

13 of the 18 homes are already under contract!

This is exactly the kind of momentum our community needs. With homes starting in the low $170s, open-concept floor plans, and a location close to downtown, shopping, parks, and healthcare, these cottages are meeting a real need.

We're proud to see growth that keeps our community strong and welcoming.

Learn more and explore available homes here: https://www.smithdouglas.com/communities/macon-ga/thomaston/the-cottages-of-silvertown

05/04/2026

You are invited! Three D1 universities will be presenting in Thomaston this week.

There is a special presentation at the Ritz Theater this Wednesday, May 6, from 11-2, (come and go or stay the whole time) for the UGA/Clemson students to present their ideas for revitalizing Thomaston.

This is the same group (UGA) who led the community re-envisioning session at Stonewell Church back in February.

Please come if you can. You will have the opportunity to visit with the students and discuss their findings and ideas.

How wonderful that we get to be a part of developing a healthy community for ourselves, our neighbors, and those moving here in the future!

Also, Georgia Tech will present the results of their housing study to the City Council Tuesday, May 5, at 6 pm at the Senior Center. Open to the public.

04/24/2026

Here are two special events with UGA and Clemson students May 5 and 6- open to the public. You’re invited to hear their presentations on their collaborative projects for reinvestment, redevelopment, and revitalization of the City of Thomaston.

04/18/2026

Coming soon- May 5!

The Georgia Tech - Center for Economic Development Research - CEDR team will be on-hand prior to the May 5th City Council Meeting to share findings from the Comprehensive Housing Assessment that they have completed for the city. Please join us at the Thomaston-Upson Senior Center at 6pm on Tuesday May 5th to learn more!

04/10/2026

More homes for Thomaston! Construction is underway for the Cottages of Silvertown by Smith Douglas Homes! Priced From $179,900.

02/26/2026

Just a reminder about the Homebuyer Workshop this Saturday at the Thomaston Housing Authority.

02/07/2026

Successful collaboration with UGA grad students and community stakeholders.