Chipley City Council Approves Downtown Revitalization Project

CHIPLEY, FL – The Chipley City Council unanimously approved a proposal Tuesday night for a new mixed-use development, a key step in the city's ongoing effort to revitalize its downtown district. The project, slated for a currently underused lot at the corner of Jackson Avenue and Main Street, aims to bring new retail, housing, and public space to the heart of the city.

The development, spearheaded by "Panhandle Development Partners," will feature a three-story building with commercial storefronts on the ground level and approximately 40 apartment units on the upper floors. The plan also incorporates a landscaped public courtyard with shade trees and seating, which developers hope will serve as a new gathering place for the community.

"This is a significant and positive development for the City of Chipley," said City Administrator Patrice Tanner during the meeting. "This project not only expands our housing options but also creates a more vibrant, walkable downtown for our residents and businesses. It's a forward-thinking investment in Chipley's future."

The approval follows a series of public workshops and is aligned with the goals of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency. Local business owners have shown strong support for the project, anticipating an increase in customers and activity.

"We're looking forward to the new energy this will bring," said a local cafe owner. "More residents living and spending time downtown is a win for all of the small businesses here."

Construction is tentatively planned to begin next spring, with a target completion date in the fall of 2027. The city has announced it will host a public information session in the coming month to share more detailed timelines and answer questions from the community.