Information Sessions Planned Thursday On Downtown Gateway Project

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater residents will have another chance to weigh in on the Downtown Gateway streetscape project during two public information sessions Thursday.

The sessions will take place at 8:30 a.m. and at 6 p.m. at 1464 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

City staff will be on hand to present design plans and give residents and business owners an update on the third stage of the project. The update will be followed by a forum for those attending to give feedback about the project and construction concerns.

The third stage of the streetscape project will improve Cleveland Street between Missouri and Highland avenues.

The Downtown Gateway Cleveland Streetscape Phase 3 and Festival Core project designed to transform Cleveland Street into a safe pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly street and an attractive and welcoming mixed-use neighborhood.

Plans include adding landscaping, enhancing street parking, improving sidewalks and adding bike lanes along the corridor, which stretches along Cleveland Street from Missouri Avenue to Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Cleveland Street to San Remo Avenue.

At Cleveland Street and Gulf to Bay Boulevard, which will be known as the Festival Core, there's a possibility of a mercado, or public market, to hold events and offer a place for artisans and vendors to sell their items.

The streetscape project is part of Imagine Clearwater, a master plan to revitalize the Downtown Clearwater waterfront area. The plan includes an expanded and improved waterfront park and catalyst projects to revitalize Downtown Clearwater.

The $62 million cost of Imagine Clearwater will be partly offset by the sale of the former Harborview convention center property and the old City Hall.

Elements of Imagine Clearwater include:

• The Civic Gateway: A grand entry gateway at the site of the former Harborview Center will lead visitors down Cleveland Street to the waterfront.
• The Green: A new 4,000-seat amphitheater will be added to The Green to enhance concert experiences.
• Coachman Garden: Coachman Garden, located steps from the Clearwater Main Library, 100 N. Osceola Ave., will get a new playground, with play equipment designed in collaboration with local artists.
• The Estuary: The Estuary will provide lush respite for visitors in search of a quiet waterfront experience a short walk from downtown.
• The Bluff Walk: The half-mile Bluff Walk will be an active linear promenade that emphasizes Clearwater's unique topography and waterfront views.

Future meetings will be held in May to keep residents and business owners informed of the project's progress.

See related stories:

• Video: City Invites Public To View Imagine Clearwater Designs
• Clearwater Residents Invited to 'Imagine' Downtown Waterfront's Future
• Clearwater Officials Want To Tap Into Residents' Imaginations

For more information contact Gabe Parra, economicdevelopment, at gabe.parra@myclearwater.com or 727-562-4047.