Midtown is getting a makeover

The Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has officially started the “More in Midtown”, NW First Avenue streetscape project. Construction is scheduled to be complete by September 2017.

This eight-month-long renovation promises many improvements to one of Gainesville’s most iconic neighborhoods. The four-block corridor between NW 16th and 20th Streets will undergo a comprehensive redesign to include undergrounding overhead utilities; upgrading water service; and increasing on-street parking for cars, scooters, bikes and truck loading zones. Upon completion, visitors will be able to pay for a parking spot using a decal, a parking meter or Gainesville’s new mobile parking app. A new Go Gainesville bike share station will also be available for use.

The CRA is making the corridor safer and more pedestrian-friendly by adding continuous wider sidewalks, increasing bicycle safety, improving street lighting and moving dumpsters into off-street enclosures. The addition of 50 new shade trees, trash bins and recycling stations will complement the new street look and enhance functionality.

The CRA and its partners have been working closely with local businesses to maintain accessibility during construction. Businesses and patrons are encouraged to use the temporary parking lot provided at 1934 NW First Ave. (adjacent to the UF Foundation building) during construction. The Public Works Department is also issuing temporary neighborhood decals for the duration of this project to affected business and property owners.

In addition to the street improvements, the CRA is taking this opportunity to promote and support local businesses. The More in Midtown Facebook page was created to highlight businesses on the blocks affected by the construction and to give construction updates. The More in Midtown website features a blog, highlighting local businesses, parking tips and more. The CRA has partnered with local businesses to encourage and support façade improvements to properties within the Midtown area. So far, 11 properties along the corridor have taken advantage of the CRA’s Midtown Architectural Assistance, Façade Grant and Power Wash & Paint Programs.

Register at www.moreinmidtown.com to receive email updates and obtain project information. You can also follow the project @midtownGNV on Facebook and Instagram. For additional information on More in Midtown, please contact the Gainesville CRA at [email protected] or (352) 393-8200.

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