Downtown Augusta Construction Progresses: Arena Rises, Broad Street Work Continues

New arena, hotel redevelopment, and Broad Street renovations reshape Augusta's downtown landscape.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Construction has continued across downtown Augusta, with the new Augusta Arena rising on schedule and on budget, the former Ramada Hotel undergoing redevelopment under a new name, and roadwork on the 500 block of Broad Street set to begin next week. While some businesses have felt the impact of the ongoing construction, local leaders believe the changes will benefit the area in the long run by making downtown Augusta more of a destination.

Why it matters

The construction projects in downtown Augusta represent a significant investment in the city's urban core, aiming to revitalize the area and attract more visitors and economic activity. The changes come amid concerns about the impact on some existing businesses, but officials believe the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term disruptions.

The details

Crews are currently building a crane to haul steel and begin work on the arena's steel skeleton. The former Ramada Hotel, which had been vacant, is now under construction and has announced its new name: The Conroy. The Joseph M. Still Burn Center has also opened a new cafeteria as part of a series of renovations. On Broad Street, orange construction barrels and cones have marked the area for some time, with some businesses feeling the impact of the disruption through reduced foot traffic and parking.

  • Construction on the new Augusta Arena is currently underway.
  • The former Ramada Hotel is now under redevelopment and has announced a new name: The Conroy.
  • The Joseph M. Still Burn Center has recently opened a new cafeteria as part of ongoing renovations.
  • Roadwork on the 500 block of Broad Street is set to begin next week.
  • The original construction timeline projected the work could take up to 36 months, with a completion date in late next month.

The players

Augusta Arena

A new arena under construction in downtown Augusta.

The Conroy

The new name for the former Ramada Hotel, which is currently undergoing redevelopment.

Joseph M. Still Burn Center

A medical facility in Augusta that has recently opened a new cafeteria as part of ongoing renovations.

Sidney's

A business that has operated on Broad Street in Augusta since 1894.

Bridge Builder Communities

A company building the first tiny home community designed for this group in Augusta.

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What they’re saying

“I watched Broad Street expand. I watched Broad Street in 1960s, 1950s. It was jumping. Everything was happening.”

— Steven Fishman, Owner of Sidney's (WRDW)

“I think we've been wanting change for downtown and change comes with a process at the same time.”

— Dylan Pope, Area Manager for Sole and Fifth and Fire (WRDW)

“I think we're making this more of a destination strip. You know, we're making it to where people are going to come downtown and stay downtown.”

— Dylan Pope, Area Manager for Sole and Fifth and Fire (WRDW)

“It's going to lay the foundation for the future that I believe that a lot of us do want for downtown, which is putting money back into downtown and actually putting the right foot forward for downtown.”

— Dylan Pope, Area Manager for Sole and Fifth and Fire (WRDW)

What’s next

The original construction timeline projected the work could take up to 36 months, with a completion date in late next month. Empty buildings along the 500 block of Broad Street are also being refreshed as part of the broader development activity.

The takeaway

The construction projects in downtown Augusta represent a significant investment in revitalizing the city's urban core, with the new arena, hotel redevelopment, and Broad Street renovations aiming to transform the area into more of a destination. While some businesses have faced disruptions, local leaders believe the long-term benefits of these changes will outweigh the short-term challenges.