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Tallahassee CRA takes steps toward “Bicentennial Square” at City Hall
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Tallahassee CRA takes steps toward “Bicentennial Square” at City Hall

The urban space of brick and green space that runs adjacent to Tallahassee City Hall, down the hill from Adams Street to Duval Street at Jefferson Street, could be transformed into a “downtown bicentennial park in honor of Tallahassee’s 200th anniversary.”

The Knight Creative Communities Institute is asking the Community Redevelopment Agency for a total of nearly $5 million to fund its Bicentennial Square project.

The city commission, as members of the agency, unanimously approved the concept at its meeting Thursday, but has not yet pulled out its checkbook and some have even expressed concerns about the projected numbers.

“There is a certain financial commitment involved and I just want to be sure that we are moving in the right direction,” said Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox.

The appearance of the city is changing place by place

The renovation of the premises is part of a broader goal to transform several areas of the city.

There are several ongoing and future projects in the city, such as a Southside Transit Center, a new Tallahassee Police Department headquarters, and a Welaunee Senior Center.

KCCI is behind other projects, including Art on Fire and Crosswalks to Classrooms. The Bicentennial Park will join other planned 200th anniversary projects, such as the reconstruction of the state’s first log cabin capitol.

Even though funding is still pending, KCCI Executive Director Betsy Couch viewed the vote as a success.

How Bicentennial Square could take shape

The project’s origins date back to September of last year, when KCCI announced that its 2024 Community Catalyst Placemaking initiative would “create a vision for a downtown Bicentennial Park in honor of Tallahassee’s 200th anniversary.”

From there, the project gained momentum in March and April of this year, when the institute began the planning process for its master plan and also released a survey to get feedback from the community.

Although the park was named for the year of its bicentennial, the KCCI’s original schedule in April called for the park to be completed next year, but it could take longer.

Couch, along with two members of the current Community Catalyst class – Maxim Nasab and Matthew Persinger – presented a vision of a future park that would provide shade, information kiosks, benches, new bike racks and a 24-hour public restroom in the heart of downtown.

The presentation explained, among other things, how the project will be divided into three phases, each with its own price:

  • Phase 1: $30,000 – Early stages of the project, installation of a sculptural bike rack and refresh of native plantings.
  • Phase 2: $679,000 – Series of elements that define the project without the need for major site infrastructure.
  • Phase 3: $4.3 million – Full build-out, bringing the project to full vision cost.

Former City Councilman Gil Ziffer represented KCCI: “I didn’t really realize the value it provides until today when I went to City Hall and saw the visualizations. I hadn’t thought about what might happen, and it’s really special what this group of people have done.”

Ziffer added, “This will really be a spectacular addition to the walkway to the Capitol or our downtown.”

In a comment, Commissioner Jack Porter said, “I would be happy if we could consult with our (city’s) bicycle advisory group regarding the sculptural bike rack.”

Commissioner Curtis Richardson added, “I know all of you are struggling with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, and I would certainly encourage all of you to continue to look into this because we want everyone, regardless of their physical condition, to be able to take advantage of what could be a wonderful amenity for downtown.”

And Mayor John Dailey said, “I’ve been to many other communities that have incredible outdoor public art, and this will just enhance downtown.”

Arianna Otero is City Solutions Reporter for the Tallahassee Democrat. Reach her via email at [email protected] or via Twitter/X: @ari_v_otero.

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