The master plan to redevelop the MLK corridor takes life.  The grand  opening of Blowin Smoke is taking the lead.  Owner Brian Huskey says people see the new barbecue restaurant as an anchor for other restaurants to follow.

Blowin Smoke is just one of a handful of shops and restaurants flocking to the MLK corridor.   Just recently Bicycle Link - packed up it's shop on Broughton street  and parked here.   Business has only soared for owner John Skiljan.

"It was easy access to I-16, still viable and visible to college students and great traffic here too."

In 2007 property investment along MLK, Jr. Boulevard and Montgomery Street topped more than 56 million dollars.  32 new businesses sprung up.  And back in January Wi-Fi was added the area.

Since 2000 more than 160 businesses moved in along the corridor - many heading uptown.  Lisa Sundrla, the Executive Director of Savannah Development of Renewal Authority says things are getting better.

 "For years folks would really not go beyond, whether you're a visitor to the area or a local to the community to shop because you really did not know whether there were shopping opportunities beyond the area."

The Savannah Development and Renewal Authority hopes the growth,  however slow, will continue to spread up the 52 blocks.

Kelly Foster, WJCL, The Coastal Source.