Title
Bo Diddley Plaza Reopening Update (B)
Explanation
The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was tasked with considering the Downtown Bo Diddley Plaza (BDP) as a whole and its potential to function as a successful, well-used public space. This process began with initial meetings with the Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board and an extensive list of community stakeholders beginning in December of 2008. The redevelopment strategy has always been place-driven instead of utilizing a “project approach” in order to achieve lasting success; a usable space, not merely formulating a new design.
The Bo Diddley Plaza (BDP) construction improvements have reached substantial completion and the Plaza will reopen on March 1, 2016. Although the Community Redevelopment Agency’s project focused on the north side of the Plaza; the closing of the Plaza was leveraged to complete additional improvements on the property during construction.
The City Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Affairs Department utilized the Plaza closure to make additional improvements including enhanced lighting, brick repairs, security camera replacement, stage-related repairs and acoustical enhancements. The partnership between CRA and multiple City Departments has been (and will be) critical to the successful implementation of the physical changes and the programming and management of the revitalized space moving forward. These efforts have been further enhanced by collaboration with the Gainesville Police Department, Gainesville Fire Rescue, City Public Works Department, RTS, Gainesville Regional Utilities and many diverse community groups and agencies.
CRA staff will give an update on the accomplishments of the project to date, how the physical layout and function has changed and how it all relates to enhanced programming and management of the site. Staff will also outline upcoming events related to the Plaza reopening.
Fiscal Note
None
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