Lake inspired other developers to begin proposing other projects around Villa Rica. Although the other developments were on a much smaller scale, all of the other building projects combined almost matched the Mirror Lake project in total number of residences. Before the economic recession forced the cancelation or postponement of many projects, Villa Rica's population projections were as follows: The 2025 population projection was estimated to be 34,784. However, as noted above, the 2010 census showed Villa Rica's actual population to be less than projected. Notable people Asa Griggs Candler, Coca-Cola business executive and mayor of Atlanta Warren Akin Candler, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and tenth president of Emory University John A. "J." Collins - Funeral director and politician from Georgia. Former mayor of Villa Rica and member of Georgia House of Representatives from District 68. Jae Crowder, professional basketball player Thomas A. Dorsey, early innovator of black gospel music Maidie Norman, actress David M. Parsons, poet laureate of Texas, 2011 Rufus B. Nalley, pioneering US college football player Rod Man - standup comedian, winner of Last Comic Standing Morgan Saylor, actress Dixie Walker, professional baseball player Herman "Thunderfoot" Weaver, professional football player References Further reading Mary Talley Anderson. The History of Villa Rica (City of Gold). Privately printed, 1976. External links City of Villa Rica official website Villa Rica News Villa Rica tourism website Pine Mountain Gold Museum Villa Rica profile on Georgia.gov Cities in Georgia (U.S. state) Cities in Carroll County, Georgia Cities in Douglas County, Georgia Populated places established in 1826 1826 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)