Plans take a step forward

Mayor Joe Affronti called last week's council decision another major step forward in the city's redevelopment effort.

During its Jan. 5 meeting, council members approved a conceptual facilities master plan that includes building a center for the arts in the first phase of construction of the downtown redevelopment project, which is on track for a groundbreaking in early spring.

The 14,000-square-foot facility southeast of Bullard Parkway and 56th Street will consist of three arts and education studios and an 11,270-square-foot multipurpose space that could be used for theater productions, town hall meetings, banquets and other civic gatherings. The room would seat 257 people, but could be partitioned to accommodate smaller groups.

"I really see the benefit of having a multipurpose complex," Councilwoman Alison Fernandez said. "It would help with the city's unity in that we would have space to free up some classrooms at the family recreation complex."

The cost to the developer, Vlass Temple Terrace - a joint venture of Atlanta-based Vlass Group, MJ Lant Developments Inc. and Marketplace Advisors - would be $2.48 million and the city would contribute $540,000. Furnishings and equipment, estimated at $100,000, also would be the city's responsibility.

A 30,000-square-foot shell for an arts center that was under discussion with Vlass last year would have cost the city an estimated $1.5 million.

Council members also gave their approval to move the city's library on Bullard Parkway across the street and adjacent to the arts center, and then relocate the Temple Terrace Police Department, now housed in City Hall, into the library's 20,000 square-foot building.

With the moving of the police department, the staff at the Temple Terrace Fire Department headquarters in Station No. 1 would join forces with police officials next door to create a public safety complex.

The moves would free up about 12,000 square feet and provide more parking for visitors at City Hall, as well as alleviate the overcrowded conditions at the fire administration facility.

City Hall's renovation would cost about $1.6 million and the price to revamp the library building is estimated at $3.4 million.

City Manager Kim Leinbach said the police and fire department moves are long-term plans and would happen when the money becomes available.

"It's not a commitment but it gives us some guidance," he said.

Councilman Mark Knapp, who was disgruntled when the council voted in his absence on June 30 to convey the 29-acre redevelopment property over to Vlass, was one of the first people on the dais to OK the concept.

"I wasn't a big fan of the property being given away, but I can't look back and change that," he said. "I like the library being part of Main Street and, quite frankly, I like the entire plan."