In 2009, the Commission recognized two winning projects in the commercial and office category. The award for commercial development was presented to Cherokee Plaza , the multi-tenant retail center in Bearden.

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Do you remember the Goodwill Store next to Naples Restaurant? Well, somewhere under a portion of Cherokee Plaza , the walls of that big box store still exist. The Planning Commission felt this retail transformation to be exemplary. It is yet another step in implementing the Bearden Village Plan.

The commission found the improvements to be pleasantly simple, yet aesthetically pleasing. Awnings, consistent signs, landscaping and an occasional fountain or bench unify the plaza.

Pedestrians are comfortable here. The center’s sidewalks connect to Kingston Pike, realizing one of the objectives of the village plan.

With its trees and landscaped medians, the parking lot design is also commendable. To reduce the expanse of asphalt, a shared parking agreement was reached with neighboring retailers.