Title
SW 5th Avenue Triangle Final Conceptual Design and Cost Estimates (B)
Explanation
The SW 5th Avenue triangle is located at the corner of 13th Street and SW 5th Avenue. The University of Florida owns fifty percent of the triangle and fifty percent is owned by the City of Gainesville. Perhaps because of this dual ownership, it has often become overgrown and has been an unattractive gateway to University Heights.
In an effort to improve the aesthetics and function of the triangle, the College Park/University Heights (CPUH) Advisory Board sought to develop a conceptual design that could convert the triangle into an urban pocket park and gateway to the University Heights neighborhood. Landscape architect Buford Davis was hired to develop a conceptual design and cost estimates.
Mr. Davis will present the conceptual design, which includes brick pavers/hardscaping, pedestrian scale lighting, sidewalk relocation and alignment, benches, landscaping and public art and/or signage. The College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board has recommended the conceptual design for approval.
Mr. Davis has also presented and received preliminary approval of the conceptual design from University of Florida committees, who also are required to review the project given the 50% ownership by the University of Florida. An easement request for the UF-owned portion of the triangle is currently underway. Two UF Committees have requested to review the final landscaping plan and the public art selection prior to granting their final approval.
The estimated costs include a larger contingency than usual, due to the urban nature of this project. In addition, currently the budget allocates only $10,000 for public art and/or signage. The CPUH Board has indicated that they would prefer to consider options for public art and signage once construction documents for the remainder of the area have been prepared, so this line item is likely to in...
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