The Georgia Avenue streetscape renovations are nearing the home stretch. There is not much work left to do other then paving the street and installing decorative pavers. The project is the foundation to the continued revitalization of the area and is expected to attract new businesses that fit the vibrant SoNy (South of New York) district. One key component to the revitalization may come from a property swap between the city of DeLand and Volusia County, according to the West Volusia Beacon.
In exchange for the long-vacant Downtown DeLand Jail at 130 W. New York Ave., the city would give up its former City Hall Annex at 121 W. Rich Ave. If the swap goes through, the city would demolish the Old Jail due to the current condition of the building which is plagued with asbestos. It would be difficult to renovate the facility for commercial use in its current state.
The property sits on 0.86 acres that faces West Georgia Avenue and West New York Avenue and is prime for development. In fact, if the trade goes through, the City is expected to put out a request for development proposals. The property is a key component of the Georgia Avenue District Vision/Master Plan, which includes the renovation. This is not a development plan, but instead it is a plan that is meant to show the public a vision of what the community desires to become to potential developers.
Based upon the master plan designed by consulting firm CPH, the firm surveyed members of the community in two public meetings and came up with a vision of mixed-use buildings, walkable development and space for artists and artisans to produce and sell their wares. The vision includes 32,480 sqare feet of commercial space, 86 apartments, eight lofts, eight “live/work” units, 6,500 square feet of gallery space and 22,500 square feet of artist/exhibition booths. All of the this would be developed on eight different parcels, including the jail property.
We should know more about the overall plan and the property swap in the near future and promise to keep you updated!