From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE –The Trussville Redevelopment Authority unveiled a comprehensive plan for the first phase of downtown redevelopment on Thursday night. The architectural rendering shows the block that includes The Straw Hat, Three Earred Rabbit, Liberty Automotive and the former Mabe’s building, known as Quadrant One.
Surveys of the block have been completed and several parcels of land have been acquired to make way for the project, with at least one acquisition still in process.
Highlights of the plan include new sidewalks with brick dividers, street lighting, landscaping and a public parking lot behind the Three Earred Rabbit to accommodate almost 70 vehicles.
Drawings of the plan and proposed engineering work for the sidewalks, traffic signals and property access have been forwarded to the Alabama Department of Transportation for consideration and approval. ALDOT will have the final say in all traffic improvements for the area as Main Street (U.S. Highway 11) is a state highway.
Other elements of the concept include a pavilion reminiscent of the old Trussville train depot, with walking trails, an amphitheater and additional parking for 41 vehicles along Pinchgut Creek at the south end on Morrow Avenue.
The architectural rendering includes design concepts for existing buildings should current property owners choose to upgrade their buildings.
Members of TRA and elected officials have met with numerous private developers and business owners who have expressed and interest locating businesses in the downtown area. Some developers have expressed an interest in renovating existing buildings while others are more interested in developing vacant property with new buildings.
Additionally, TRA forwarded a proposal to the city council for consideration that would allow property owners to apply for grants in order to improve their buildings to enhance the downtown area. The proposal includes an investment from property owners and approval of city boards in order to obtain a grant to help offset the cost of exterior renovations.
Trussville councilmen Buddy Choat, who serves as one of the council liaisons to TRA, and Anthony Montalto attended Thursday’s meeting.
“We have looked at other cities to see how they have done projects like this,” Choat said.
Choat and Montalto said the council members have informally discussed different ideas for funding potential grants and redevelopment in general.
“This is an area that has been neglected and we need to make an investment,” Montalto said. “We may need to consider level funding parts of the budget to redirect money here.”
The city has partnered with TRA in numerous ways since downtown redevelopment has been underway, through land acquisition and funding TRA financial commitments.
16 Comments
Blake Lee
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Matt Yancey
Back forty beer?
Chad Gray
I hope so!
Marc Ward
Any Beer would be great at this point!!!
Ian Maddox
Thanks for sharing Scott, it all looks great!
Marcia Newman Segers
An entertainment district would be great addition to this! Beer garden and amphitheater for live music?!?! Maybe where Marvins is?
Eric Gay
If this happens, I might never leave Trussville. We don’t necessarily need a bar or brewery (although I’m not opposed in the slightest), but Trussville needs to stand out as something other than another exit off the interstate with chain restaurants and chain retail. Too much potential for it not to flourish.
Fran Bramblette
Looks great! I am not fond of the architectural style of the building replacing the Straw Hat. Love that it is two story! Love the arched entrance to the new parking area. That building will be an Anchor. It will set the tone. It has to be interesting! Cannot not wait!
Cicily Welch Mobley
I just hope it actually happens and there’s more action than just talk like in the past.
Tara Bradshaw Sellers
I was hoping for a look more like Mt. Laurel in Chelsea..
Betty Gilchrist Penuel
What happened to the Book Rack Store? I didn’t see it in the drawing. Did I miss it or is it going away?
The Trussville Tribune
That is simply an artist rendering of what the building *could look like should the property owner choose to replace the current building. That decision would be completely up to the property owner who may simply keep the existing building just like it is or choose an all together different style.
Jennie Tanner
I just hope this project will actually get done instead of sitting there stagnant for years (cough, Civitan Park). I’ll be paying attention to whoever is mayor and how they handle it.
Joel Barnes
New York, Paris , London, Trussville?
Laura Ann Vargas
Leo Vargas
Fran Bramblette
Just a possible plan. What parts of this plan are concrete….just wondering? Trussville has so much potential. These ideas would be great if and when implemented. I cannot wait. These renderings are so attractive. I love Trussville. It is time for this type of city renewal.