Title
Approval of the Northwest 5th Avenue Streetscape Concept (B)
Explanation
Over the past year, the FAPS Board has been working with Jesse Wiles of APD, Inc. to address the issue of the revitalization of Northwest 5th Avenue. This work has taken a multi- faceted approach that has looked at streetscaping, development opportunities, anchors for the corridor and ways to address challenges that impact the corridor's viability. The Board believes this comprehensive approach will offer the best strategy for revitalization. In June SFCC announced that it would be constructing a new building on Northwest 5th Avenue on the north side of 5th Avenue across from the Blount Center. The potential of the new SFCC building to serve as an anchor at the west end of Northwest 5th Avenue is an exciting opportunity that will have a significant impact on the Northwest 5th Avenue corridor.
In an effort of capitalize on the work being done on various projects this appears to be a good time to provide an update on these projects to the CRA for review.
SFCC's new building- Last year SFCC had to turn down over 500 students who wanted to attend the Downtown Campus. This missed opportunity inspired a donor to provide funding for a new building across from the Blount Center on the north side of 5th Avenue. This new building will house 10 classrooms and offer 90 new parking spaces. The building is in the Traditional City overlay district and will need to address 5th Avenue, with parking on the side and the rear. This new building will bring additional students to the area and will increase the mobility of the students between the buildings. Once students are out of their cars and moving between buildings, it will be easier to get them moving up and down the streets. This new building will anchor the east end of Northwest 5th Avenue and strengthen the corridor overall.
Streetscape - For several months, staff has been working with GRU, Public Works and Jay Brown of Brown & Cullen Engineering to prepare for the Northwest 5th Avenue Streetscape. Those plans are ready for concept approval. The streetscape is based on the Design and Technical Standards approved by the CRA. This includes brick sidewalks, crosswalks at key intersections, pedestrian light fixtures, undergrounding utilities and amenities (benches, trashcans etc.). Jay Brown of Brown & Cullen will attend the meeting to review the plans. The Board is recommending approval of the concept plan. The next phase of the streetscape from Northwest 6th Street to Northwest 3rd Street has been estimated to cost $460,000 including the undergrounding of utilities and pedestrian lighting.
Undergrounding Phasing- At the March CRA meeting the Board approved an undergrounding plan that addressed the work on Northwest 5th Avenue in phases. At that meeting the Board recommended approval of Phase 1 (conduit work in conjunction with the Northwest 13th Street project) and Phase 2 (removal of the regulator bank from the Northwest 5th Avenue corridor) at a cost of not to exceed $80,000. The remainder of the underground and pedestrian lighting was broken up as follows: Phase 3 between 10th and 6th, Phase 4 between 6th and 3rd, Phase 5 between 10th and 12th, and Phase 6 between 12th and 13th. The Advisory board is recommending that Phase 3 and 4 be switched to allow for undergrounding between 6th and 3rd as part of the streetscape that supplements the new SFCC building.
Anchors along the corridor- In order to revitalize a corridor the length of 5th Avenue several anchors will be needed. While SFCC will serve as the easternmost anchor there will need to be smaller anchors along the corridor to draw visitors down the entire length of the street. Staff views the Glover and Gill building and the small playground near Mom's Kitchen as anchor locations. The reuse of the Glover and Gill building as an African American or Civil Rights museum or an arts space would draw people citywide onto the 5th Avenue corridor. This building has significant history and would be an anchor for the center of the corridor. The small park further to the west would provide community green space as the corridor redevelops. A gateway sign can be added to Northwest 13th Street when appropriate. The Advisory Board will continue to work on these concepts.
Redevelopment sites- The Advisory Board continues to work with APD, Inc. to identify smaller redevelopment sites along the corridor that would be suitable for mixed-use projects. The increase of students at SFCC will help to create the need for additional services that could be housed in mixed-use buildings. There are several developers interested in these possibilities. APD, Inc is preparing a rendering of what an appropriate infill project might include.
Model Block Project- At present the Model Block project includes five historic houses to be rehabilitated and five new construction sites. Four of the five rehabilitation projects will be bid in early fall, with the new construction to follow as the first houses are sold. One of the rehab properties still has title issues to be resolved. There are 72 people on the list of those interested in purchasing the homes. Staff is waiting for a Memorandum of Understanding from Freddie Mac and once those details are complete Freddie Mac will offer flexible mortgage products to Model Block mortgage applicants. The CRA should be ready to draw down funds from the National Trust for Historic Preservation Inner City Venture Fund line of credit shortly prior to construction. The first appraisal on one of the rehab properties came in at $91,000, a significant increase over individual rehabs within the district to date.
Fiscal Note
The CRA has $36,305 currently budgeted for the Northwest 5th Avenue Streetscape and $49,914 budgeted in fiscal year 04-05.
Recommendation
The City Commission support the implementation of the streetscape from Northwest 6th Street to Northwest 3rd Street in whatever fashion possible.