Cook and Burrell envision new liveliness in Walhalla downtown

For months, Walhalla insiders have spoken of new interest in their core downtown business district. Some of what’s on the horizon has begun to take shape with the confirmation by two Oconee County business partners that they have secured a prime spot downtown where they plan as many as six new retail stores, including an independent restaurant with rooftop seating. Two of the stores would face Main; the four others at the back. Robbie Burrell last night said that he and his partner, Ricky Cook, have a lease-option on the Prince Brown-owned building at Main and N. College. Plans call for the building to be torn down and a new building in its place, likely constructed by Joel Davis’s company. The property runs about three-quarters of the block from Main north to N. Broad, and Burrell says he expects there will be enough room to provide 42 parking spaces. The independent restaurant that Burrell and Cook have in mind would likely offer a fare of burgers, steaks, chicken fingers, and salads. As far as a timetable, Burrell says they are in no big hurry. There are still hurdles to overcome, but they are at a point where they are comfortable announcing their intentions.