Construction has begun to transform Georgia Ave. in Downtown DeLand into an attractive area for the already busy Artisan Alley district. Now an integral part of the city’s SoNY — short for “South of New York” — district, the diminutive street hosts Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., Cafe DaVinci, BakeChop and Neighbors Artisan Taqueria, to name a few popular businesses. An extension of the popular weekly Artisan Alley Growers and Makers Market stretches onto the avenue each Friday, as well. The tiny thruway connects South Woodland Boulevard and South Florida Avenue, making it a popular shortcut for vehicles and pedestrians alike. Over several years, the traffic has rendered the pavement cracked and worn, and the infrastructure of the road is in need of repair as heavy summer rains caused flooding issues in the building occupied by Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co.
The revitalization project includes removal and replacement of the Georgia Avenue roadway and sidewalks, drainage improvements, removable bollards and limited landscaping. New streetlights with decorative poles will be provided by Duke Energy and trash receptacles will be added by the City upon completion of the project. The new roadway will be surfaced with concrete pavers. Sidewalks will be constructed of concrete with decorative paver bands.
The work will be constructed in phases. During the first phase, a new stormwater pipeline will be constructed from the west side of Florida Avenue, running eastward to a point about two-thirds of the way up Georgia Avenue toward Woodland Boulevard.
During the second phase of work, sidewalks and remaining pavement on the North half of Georgia Avenue will be removed and reconstructed.
During the third phase, essential vehicular traffic will be allowed to travel westbound only and pedestrian access to business will be maintained on the north side of the street. Following the third phase, most construction will be complete except for installation of the final base course and pavers. These items will be constructed during the relatively short fourth phase.
Overall construction time is expected to be 90-120 days.