Title
GTEC Repositioning Update and Next Steps (NB)
Explanation
The most significant undertaking on the SE portion of the Reinvestment District is the redevelopment of the Gainesville Technology Enterprise Center (GTEC) area and the former Kennedy Homes site (Heartwood). The sites are located within a quarter-mile of each other, about one mile from downtown Gainesville and two miles from the University of Florida. The 13.5-acre GTEC Area Master Plan site, now called "Cornerstone," is located between SE Hawthorne Road and SE 8th Avenue, and SE 20th Street, and SE 24th Street.
GTEC is located at 2153 SE Hawthorne Road on the Cornerstone site and now has a 20-year history in the Eastside Community. The GTEC Program has graduated a myriad of companies. Yet, many residents are unclear on who owns and operates the facility, what kind of companies "incubate" there, and how it adds value to SE Gainesville.
As part of the former CRA's transition to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area, GTEC remained a priority throughout community engagement and became one of the significant GCRA projects in the 10-year Plan's Economic Development Initiative. With a renewed focus, a single district reinvestment plan, and a community focus on investing in the District's eastern portion, the GCRA sold its facility on NW 5th Avenue and relocated to the GTEC building during 2020. GCRA was tasked with managing the facility and negotiating a contract extension with Santa Fe College for the programming and daily operations.
Greenwood Consulting Group, Inc. (GCGI) analysis of the Gainesville GTEC Incubator Report was presented and unanimously approved first to the GCRA Advisory Board on November 16, 2021 (Legistar #210448) and unanimously approved by the City Commission on November 18, 2021 (Legistar #210640). The authorized recommendation affirmed the consultant's recommendations for GTEC and directed staff to move the effort forward. Since the City Commissions' approval, GCRA...
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