by TRC_Admin | Jul 29, 2021 | Scenic Intersections - Roundabouts
Photo: Abby Baker
“Drivers and sidewalk-goers in downtown St. Petersburg have likely speculated about the 30-foot, stone sun sculpture that shrinks surrounding buildings and its platform, a roundabout in the city’s bustling EDGE district.
New York-based and Isreali-born sculptor, Ilan Averbuch, created the massive, gear-like fixture for the otherwise-normal roundabout at Central Avenue at 11th Street.
Averbuch, one of 94 creators who applied to create on the space, calls the sculpture an ode to Florida weather, titled ‘The Sun on the EDGE.’ The piece was completed in June, with a city-led ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 15.
The industrial, almost primitive statue of a sunset, bottomed with a darkened granite and steel partial reflection, gives those passing through Central no choice but to circle the sun.
The head-turning aspect is exactly what Averbuch wanted.
‘It’s wonderful to be in the center of town where all the traffic has to slowly make their way around,’ Averbuch said. ‘It’s sort of like a stage.’
The stone sun’s price tag sits at nearly $200k, pulled from the Intown West CRA tax increment funds approved for streetscape improvements…”
— Abby Baker, The Gabber
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by TRC_Admin | Jul 21, 2021 | Master Planning
Photo: Alex Driehaus, Naples Daily News, USA Today – Florida Nework
“A two-hour Bonita Springs City Council workshop on Wednesday ended with a 17-item design guide for developers interested in 5 acres along the Imperial River…
The property sits on Old 41 Road and straddles the Imperial River, and councilors regard it as the most important piece of undeveloped land downtown.
They were left with a list of 17 features they would like to see on the property. All developer applications will be tested against the guidelines. Councilors want to see all unsolicited design bids during a July 21 meeting when they could approve a plan.
The list tells developers what City Council does and does not want on the property. Unsolicited property applications made to the city did not have a concrete guideline to follow.
A previous workshop last month had tangents and varying opinions. Some councilors wanted to leave details in the hands of developers. Others wanted to be specific. Mayor Rick Steinmeyer wanted to keep the land as a city-owned park.
A facilitator, Ken Tinkler, guided councilors through the process and kept discussion on track. He began the workshop by reminding councilors how long the property has sat undeveloped under city ownership.
‘You’ve been at this for 6,683 days,’ Tinkler said. ‘A child born that day just graduated high school or maybe finished their first year of college.’
The ideas were all high level, allowing developers leeway to design around the features. All councilors agreed on some core ideas, first and foremost being public park space.
‘We need public access along the (Imperial River),’ Councilor Mike Gibson said.
Other public features, including parking, commercial space and ‘destination’ businesses, topped the list.
Residential units should be integrated in proposed designs, but only for people that will live in the buildings permanently, City Council stated.
‘People that are going to be there most of the year, that are going to take advantage of everything that’s downtown, that will frequent the businesses and make it more attractive for businesses to be downtown,’ Gibson said…
Before the workshop, four presentations were made to City Council. Design plans by three developers showcased commercial spaces, parks and about 100 residential units. They proposed public-private partnerships, mostly by letting the city own and operate any public park space. One plan called for a long-term lease of the land.
Charlie Strader, former president of the Bonita Springs Historical Society, gave a presentation against major development and presented ideas for a public park and event space.
Public speakers asked councilors to vote against any plans with residential units.
‘I would implore that you guys consider a museum, attraction, a Seminole village, an assortment of other options for the Bonita property other than residential housing and a mall,’ said John Paeno, owner of CGT Kayaks.”
— Thaddeus Mast, Naples Daily News
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City of Bonita Springs
by TRC_Admin | Jul 21, 2021 | Master Planning
“Imagine Clearwater is an investment in the redevelopment of Downtown Clearwater and its waterfront – including construction of a new 4,000-seat covered amphitheater in Coachman Park – that will be a must-see destination point in the Tampa Bay area.
Designed to connect the waterfront and the Downtown Clearwater community, Imagine Clearwater includes an expansive park and recreational spaces, a gateway plaza and bluff walk that connects the park to downtown, a bay walk promenade overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, a lake area with picnic shelters, and an ocean-themed play area with an interactive pop-jet water feature.
The additions to Coachman Park also include the amphitheater which will accommodate a year-round performance schedule that promises to continue the city of Clearwater’s reputation as a premier location for diverse live entertainment. Construction is slated to take around two years. ”
City of Clearwater Coachman Park Imagine Redevelopment Project
by TRC_Admin | Jul 21, 2021 | Master Planning
Artist Rendering: Stantec
“In May, as costs of building materials soared, City Council members postponed a groundbreaking for the downtown waterfront’s transformation until they got a final construction price from the contractor.
Now Imagine Clearwater’s final price tag is in at $84 million, which is $20 million higher than the estimate officials had long discussed.
About $14.5 million of the increase comes from higher prices of building materials and the council’s decision to add back amenities that had previously been downsized, like water features, shade structures and landscaping, according to engineering director Tara Kivett. The project also had additional design costs and staff hours resulting from the council’s decision to change aspects of the plan over the last few years, Kivett said.
The renovation of the 22-acre waterfront into a regional park with an outdoor amphitheater, bluff walk, gateway plaza, garden and lake area has been pitched as a way to bring life to a downtown that has been depressed for decades.
Assistant City Manager Michael Delk said the price reflects the scope of one of the largest infrastructure projects the city has ever undertaken and the impact it is attempting to bring.
‘This will define our waterfront for the remainder of the century,’ Delk said. ‘You don’t tackle something like this very often. And when you do, I think you need to construct what has lasting value, lasting significance, and I think that’s where we’re ending up…’
If the council votes to proceed, construction is expected to be completed in July 2023. Underground utility work is already underway…
Last month, the City Council also began negotiations with City Center Development, led by Craig Govan, for the redevelopment of the three parcels bordering the park. Govan has proposed building a two-story food hall and brewery on the corner of Osceola Avenue and Cleveland Street; a 207-unit multifamily building with a grocery, retail stores and a restaurant on the site of the vacant City Hall on Osceola Avenue and Pierce Street; and a 100-room hotel on the vacant lot on Pierce Street…”
— Tracey McManus, Tampa Bay Times
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by TRC_Admin | Jul 21, 2021 | Master Planning
Illustration: Riverfront Parks Now
“Downtown Jacksonville is clearly at a defining crossroads, and we implore city leaders to recognize what is at stake: the last, best chance to create a “Riverfront for All.”
Jacksonville should follow the lead of cities that have successfully combined signature riverfront parks, connected trails and well-designed Riverwalks to attract residents, visitors, events, and developer investment, while also providing protection from sea level rise and flooding.
This proven approach will cost less and give us more, especially since the city already owns riverfront land. Riverfront parks yield returns on investment that are superior and long term. What’s more, they improve the quality of life for city-wide residents of all socio-economic groups.
Other river cities have faced similar forks in the road. Civic, business and elected leaders from these cities, including Chattanooga, St. Petersburg and Greenville, have all recognized the wisdom of their decisions to prioritize public space. In fact, these destinations have become great sources of civic pride and economic growth.
We can, and should, do the same thing for Jacksonville. Now is the time to ask City Council leaders to implement this 10-point path.
1. Prioritize public space. First and foremost, prioritize and invest in meaningful public riverfront parks and green spaces.
2. Go big, world-class, and inclusive. Engage a world-class urban design firm to design a 40+ acre connected park between Metropolitan Park and the Shipyards. We need spaces that are welcoming and accessible to all people and provide ways for our community to come together with a variety of desired amenities and activities.
3. Promote connectivity. Preserve a generous and continuous ribbon of green spaces and connected parks and trails along the Northbank to allow for multiple paths for bikers and pedestrians, shade and landscaping. These paths should connect to the Emerald Trail and all downtown destinations including the Southbank.
4. Let our river breathe. It is essential to significantly expand the setbacks from 25’ to 175’ for new development proposed for city-owned property along the St. Johns River to allow for a natural green buffer to protect against flooding.
5. Utilize green resilient solutions. Implement proven green solutions for stormwater management and to mitigate sea-level rise, storm surge and climate change. Incorporate plenty of shade trees to protect against the heat, add beauty, and help slow and filter runoff.
6. Don’t block our existing views. We support robust development across Bay Street which maximizes the benefits for both the development and the public to enjoy the park amenities and river views. Any structure on the river side of the street should directly enhance the public uses and be located along Bay Street, leaving a green buffer of at least 175’ from the river.
7. Make streets into boulevards. Transform Bay Street and A. Philip Randolph into pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined boulevards incorporating wide sidewalks, planted medians, shade and street furniture.
8. Plan for maintenance. Support the creation of a non-profit Riverfront Parks Conservancy.
9. Riverfront playing, not parking. Refrain from building visible parking structures between Bay Street and the river.
10. Plan for the Jacksonville we all desire. This is a game-changing opportunity for the city, not just an amenity for a downtown neighborhood. By planning a well-designed, visually interesting public space with a variety of attractions and amenities, our riverfront can entice Jaxsons from all walks of life to come and spend the day.
Let’s make sure we have ample space not only for play areas, cafes and bars, native plants, and cultural activities, but also for hosting large events, concerts, tailgates, and festivals such as our future Super Bowl, NFL Draft, Gator Bowl, and Florida-Georgia parties!”
— Nancy Powell, Jimmy Orth, Natalie Rosenburg, Susan Caven, Ted Pappas, Barbara Ketchum, Michael Kirwan, The Riverfront Parks Now Coalition, Guest Columnists, The Florida Times Union
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