Two very different businesses could be coming to Braselton, with recent proposals ranging from fine art and historical artifacts in downtown to a new Starbucks location along Highway 211.

Neither is a done deal, but both proposals offer an early look at businesses interested in becoming part of the growing Braselton community.

Fine Art Gallery Proposed for Downtown Braselton

Downtown Braselton could gain a new cultural destination if a proposal for a fine art gallery moves forward.

Tid Griffin presented plans for the gallery to the Braselton Urban Redevelopment Agency (URA) during its August 28 meeting, seeking space in one of the town's historic downtown buildings.

Griffin told the board that the concept itself is already developed, with an inventory of 153 pieces representing approximately 100 to 110 artists. What he needs now is the right location.

The collection Griffin described goes well beyond a traditional art gallery. In addition to fine art, the inventory includes historical and museum-level pieces, including a 2,200-year-old Mayan sculpture, a 15-million-year-old mammoth tusk and a handwritten letter from Thomas Edison.

Griffin said historical descriptions would accompany the pieces, allowing visitors to learn the stories behind what they're viewing.

Under the proposed concept, approximately half of the gallery would be dedicated to fine art, with 25% devoted to museum-level pieces and another 25% featuring more affordable art. Griffin also envisions educational opportunities for local students.

The location Griffin is interested in is two doors down from Cotton Calf Kitchen and is currently occupied by Simply Thompson, a clothing and accessories boutique.

Part of Griffin's vision is to create an experience that complements the restaurants and businesses already attracting people downtown. Visitors waiting for a dinner reservation, for example, could spend that time exploring the gallery.

More importantly, Griffin said he wants the gallery to become part of Braselton's cultural identity rather than simply another retail business.

The URA did not make a decision on the request during the August 28 meeting.

Starbucks Proposed Along Highway 211

Meanwhile, another familiar name could be coming to one of Braselton's busiest commercial corridors.

A Starbucks licensed store is proposed for 1945 Highway 211 in Barrow County, just south of the I-85 interchange.

The proposed location is within the existing development that includes a Circle K convenience store, restaurant and dry cleaner. If approved, Starbucks would occupy the current restaurant space.

Before that can happen, however, the property owner, Lovango the Third, LLC, needs approval from the Town of Braselton related to the site's drive-through.

Braselton's Highway 211 Overlay District currently prohibits restaurant drive-through uses. The existing development was built before those restrictions were adopted and already includes a drive-through facility.

According to planning documents, bringing Starbucks into the property would require the existing drive-through to be relocated to another position on the same site. The property owner is seeking a waiver that would allow that change.

The Braselton Town Council is scheduled to hear the proposal during its September 10 work session.

More Changes to Watch

The two proposals couldn't be much more different - one would bring fine art, historical artifacts and educational opportunities to the heart of downtown, while the other would add one of the country's most recognizable coffee brands to the busy Highway 211 corridor.

For now, both remain proposals.

But as Braselton continues to grow, these two potential additions are worth watching.  We'll keep you updated as each move through the process.