Downtown

The Downtown Community Redevelopment Area was established in 1981. Downtown Gainesville combines the best of the city’s southern charm and modern sophistication. The district offers abundant traditional downtown features such as historic architecture, cobblestone streets, public plazas, old-fashioned storefronts, and a pedestrian-friendly street grid. However it also provides an eclectic array of cafes, restaurants, art and theater venues, clothing stores, cycling shops, salons, and exciting nightlife destinations. Conveniently located in-town neighborhoods, such as the Porters community, provide an important residential base for the redevelopment area. Additionally, large-scale redevelopment opportunities at the soon-to-be-vacated GRU site promise to enhance downtown and further establish its status as a local and regional destination center through residential development, business attraction, and retention.

Detailed Map DRAB Community Redevelopment Plan

Key Projects Underway

Completed Projects

•   Bo Diddley Plaza Improvements
•   Depot Park
•   Depot Park – Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention
•   Power District Catalyst Warehouse
•   Bethel Station Cafe
•   Porter’s SW 3rd Street Improvements
•   Depot Building Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse
•   Hampton Inn Recruitment
•   Depot Avenue Hardscaping and Lighting
•   The Palms
•   Jefferson on 2nd
•   Lynch Park
•   University Ave Hardscape Improvements
•   SW 5th Avenue Streetscape
•   Depot Rail Trail Improvements

FY2018 Downtown Amendatory Budget (10/1/17 - 9/30/18)