Title
Innovation District - SW 9th Street Northern Extension Update (B)
Explanation
An integral part of the development of the Innovation District is the thoughtful planning and development of the public realm. In 2012, the CRA began developing plans for two major infrastructure projects, SW 9th Street and SW 3rd Avenue. In 2015, these projects were completed and set the aesthetic benchmark for future improvement for the greater Innovation District.
Over the course of many years several steps have been taken to lay the groundwork for this redevelopment/economic development effort, including master planning, rezoning of the property, construction of the Innovation Hub, multiple infill and adaptive reuse projects, and the construction of utility and infrastructure improvements to support building developments.
One such project was the extension of the SW 9th Street pedestrian corridor south to the Tumbling Creek overlook on SW 5th Avenue. The GCRA entered into a public private partnership with Southpark Investment Group LLC to ensure the developers would go above and beyond to preserve the aesthetic look and feel of the corridor. A similar agreement was reached with Concept Companies for the north extension of the corridor.
The north extension broke ground in 2019 with the goal of providing a pedestrian walkway that would connect the segment between SW 2nd Avenue and SW 1st Avenue. The Innovation Square trademark two tone concrete extends adjacent to commercial retail space to a bridge boardwalk which spans over a stormwater retention pond. The walkway is anchored on the north end with a 35 foot live oak, shading surrounding public benches. The project reached final completion in August of 2020.
The Innovation District SW 9th Street pedestrian walkway extension 3P partnerships are representative of projects that directly impact economic development for future investments.
Fiscal Note
Funding for this project was budgeted from the CPUH account # W763 fo...
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