Local and metro Atlanta developers, architects and Realtors are beginning to envision a new downtown Gainesville.

More than 30 people showed up for Tuesday's pre-proposal meeting to redevelop 4 acres of downtown Gainesville.

"The city is really open to all ideas, and we truly mean that," said Angela Sheppard, assistant city manager and project manager. "We want to hear ideas from you about what will work, though we will not consider anything that is a single use."

Sheppard issued a request for proposals in January to reshape 4 acres near the square, including the Georgia Mountains Center and the two parking lots at Main and Maple streets that face Jesse Jewell Parkway.

"You'll hear the word ‘innovative' a lot, and we would like to see additional retail to add to the economic vitality of downtown," Sheppard said. "The Georgia Mountains Center needs to be addressed, and we want something pedestrian-friendly that would promote walkability."

Tuesday's session included a general overview of the project and updates on the city's greenway, pedestrian bridge and City View Center, which are public-private investments intended to bring business to Gainesville's downtown and midtown areas.

Developers jotted down notes and toured the Georgia Mountains Center, but no one talked about specific project ideas.

"There was a good attendance," said Frank Norton of local real estate firm The Norton Agency. "It stimulated a lot of the questions that I had. We'll see what happens next."

Sheppard also discussed questions asked before the meeting, including whether the Georgia Mountains Center should be demolished, expanded or reinvested. City staff are open to everything, she added.

"If, in your opinion, it needs to be demolished, show that in your plans," she said. "If expansion is best, then show that. We're not going to throw your project out."

Though there are no rules, the idea is to create a multiuse environment to bring more residents downtown.

"Last year, seven businesses located or relocated to downtown, creating 21 new jobs. Events drew 18,000 people downtown," said Angela Thompson, Main Street manager. "A great proposal would include some sort of livability aspect to really create that live-work-play atmosphere."

In particular, city officials hope the project finds a way to reinvent the Georgia Mountains Center, which was opened in 1980 and renovated in 2005 to serve as a convention center to draw people from areas outside of Gainesville.

"The Georgia Mountains Center has faced problems. Increased competition from both public and private meeting facilities has contributed to a decrease in the Georgia Mountains Center's market share of meetings," the request for proposals states. "Declining revenues have hindered the facility from being self-supporting."

Tuesday's meeting was mandatory for those who plan to submit a proposal by May 9. In mid-June, city staff will interview a short list of those making proposals and submit the top name to the Gainesville City Council for approval.

"I'm excited about the attendance, for sure," said Mayor Pro Tem Danny Dunagan. "Now we'll see what goes from here."