Title
NW 1st Avenue Streetscape: Project Update (B)
Explanation
NW 1st Avenue is an important mixed-use corridor and "game day destination" located a block north of the University of Florida and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The vision of the project is to transform the corridor and the Midtown area into a welcoming, well-functioning and safer mixed-use area, catering to the wide variety of stakeholders. Project scope was developed through a thorough community engagement process, and includes utility undergrounding and upgrades, continuous sidewalks, street trees and lights, on-street parking, improved waste management and more.
Construction began in January 2017. Currently, construction work is underway on all four project blocks, NW 1st Avenue between 16th Street to 20th Street. Streets will be open for pedestrian and vehicular use by Friday, September 8th, prior to the first UF home football game. Work on utility conversion and various site amenities, such as decorative paving, landscaping and street furnishing, will continue and will not interfere in game day activities along the corridor.
To complement the street improvements and encourage local stakeholders to improve their private properties and building facades, three time-limited façade improvement incentive programs were launched in summer 2016 for the Midtown area. Programs include the Midtown Façade Grant Program, Midtown Residential Paint Program, and Midtown Architectural Assistance Program. Thus far, 18 properties have taken advantage of these programs, with a total of up to approximately $180,000 in CRA assistance.
At today's meeting CRA Staff will present an update to the Board that includes an overview of work completed to date, next steps for streetscape completion, feedback on the enhanced incentive programs, including a proposed revision to the Façade Grant Program to further support commercial buildings whose main access is off NW 1st Avenue, and potential partnerships to assist in promoti...
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