Title
CRA Project Summary (NB)
Explanation
As a regular informational item on CRA agendas, Staff provides a brief update on selected referrals, redevelopment projects and development agreements under review. This monthly update is typically a limited sampling of the CRA's many on-going projects, as opposed to a complete list.
CRA Wide
Economic Development Finance - Staff continues to market the Grow Gainesville Fund and Capital Access Program to business owners and financial institutions. Staff is in the research and development phase of additional economic development programs.
Eastside
GTEC-CRA staff has begun the planning phases of building renovations, grounds improvements and programming improvements at GTEC.
1717 SE 8th Avenue Redevelopment - In November 2010 the CRA contracted with Perkins & Will a firm specializing in Architecture, Urban Design, Planning and Strategy to complete a three phase analysis of the redevelopment site. This work includes a strategic analysis which will aid in identifying the appropriate project team, and strategic framework which will help staff create the guidelines for moving forward with the vision of the project. Staff is developing an RFQ for design and development of the site.
Exterior Paint Program- Staff is currently accepting paint program applications; this includes marketing and distributing applications to interested parties. Special focus will be placed on 8th Avenue & Waldo Road corridor.
Hawthorne Road Café - Staff has executed a lease agreement with an option to purchase with Southern Charm and Pie Factory to operate the café as a contemporary southern influenced restaurant. The next step is for the tenant to begin their interior build-out of the café. Construction is proposed to take 6-8 weeks from commencement.
Downtown
SW 3rd Street Improvements - Utility, roadway, and sidewalk construction is largely complete, and the corridor is reopened to normal traffic patterns. Installation of the new light fixtures, conversion to the underground power system, and removal of the old utility poles/wires is being coordinated with GRU and the project is scheduled for full completion by autumn of this year.
Art Line - CRA staff presented the concept and proposed routes for the Art Line project to the Downtown and CRA boards during their last meetings. The CRA received good feedback on the project concept and possible routes from the boards. The CRA is currently conducting an in-depth analysis of the most favored route options and beginning to develop the project scope.
Depot Building Phase I Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation of the Depot Building is currently underway. The project includes historic rehabilitation for adaptive reuse and core/shell building construction. The building is anticipated to achieve LEED Gold status and construction will last approximately 10 months.
Cade Museum at Depot Park - Staff is drafting a ground lease agreement and working with the Cade Foundation on coordination issues.
Power District Redevelopment - CRA staff continues to examine a variety of issues at play in the Power District. The CRA is working with the City Manager, City Attorney, and GRU General Manager in order to navigate the issues at play in the Power District and coordinate a successful transition from utility support uses into redevelopment. Work on zoning for the Power District has begun, and an initial redevelopment project has been identified (more information about this project is on the discussion portion of this agenda.)
Downtown Redevelopment Plan - The updated plan was approved by the CRA Board and the City Commission will consider final approvals on November 17th.
CPUH
13th Street Overpass - FDOT has approved the construction plans submitted on September 20th. Staff is routing the Construction Agreement for execution by the CRA Executive Director. The construction start date has shifted due to the extended permitting process and is anticipated to commence in January 2012.
SW 12th Street Lighting - The CRA has authorized Scherer Construction to begin work and site preparation activities began during the week of November 7th. The project is expected to be completed by mid-December. The first phase of this project extends from SW 8th Avenue to SW 4th Avenue.
SW 13th Street Streetscape - Construction is mostly complete on the west side of the roadway from the Archer Road intersection to the Shands PRC building. Lighting installation will be among the final tasks. Work on the east side of the roadway has begun and is progressing at a rapid pace from SW 16th Avenue to the north. The project is expected to be substantially complete in late-December.
NW 1st Avenue - This project consists of reconstructing the roadway from NW 16th Street to the UF Foundation. Parking, solid waste, utilities and streetscaping are being assessed for improvement. Staff is in the process of developing an engineering scope and procuring engineering services through the RFQ process. Coordination work has been initiated with Stadium Club and Campus Christian House. It is anticipated that an engineer will be on-board in early 2012.
6th Street Improvements - Phase I of the visioning for the 6th Street corridor was completed by Dix.Lathrop and presented to the CRA board during the July 2010 meeting. The PWD has included a portion of SW 6th Street on the City's Capital Improvement Project plan for initiation in 2015. The CRA has reached out to the PWD to inquire about coordinating on this project, thereby expediting the design and construction in order to address infrastructure needed for this area. The CRA is working to identify infrastructure needs in the area that can be coordinated within the project scope. A Request for Qualifications for Engineering Services will be released this fall.
Façade Program - The Façade Grant Program is currently open and staff is accepting applications.
FAPS
Legacy Project - The capital campaign is in progress and staff continues to reach out to community members. The website is completed and is now live (http://aqjmuseum.org/). Looking ahead, the next phase of design work is expected to begin once project funds become available.
Model Block 5th Avenue - On agenda
Façade Program - The Façade Grant Program is currently open and staff is accepting applications.
NW 5th Ave Commercial Building - The first floor office/retail space is available for lease. Interested parties should contact Shaad Rehman at 334-2298.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to CRA: Receive project update from Staff.