Elements to be improved as part of the $600,000 project include reducing the number of overhead wires along Stockton Street, improving and increasing parking within the right-of-way, improving landscaping, installing new ornamental lighting, improving the safety of the sidewalks and creating a consistent appearance with hexagon pavers, installing new decorative crosswalks and installing two new entry-way landscaped medians.
The City of Jacksonville developed the Town Center Initiative program as a means of providing support to local organizations for redeveloping aging commercial areas of town. The program was initiated, not only to provide physical improvement to Jacksonville neighborhoods, but also to help bring the people of each community together and encourage renewed interest, activity, relationships and organization. The commercial corridor of Stockton Street is a prime example of a district that continues to be an integral part of the local community. With the current renovations at the Marybuilt building and the John Gorrie School, this corridor is already showing signs of improvement.
To be part of the City of Jacksonville’s program, a town center must be at least 30-years-old and, at one time, an established commercial district at the heart of a community or neighborhood. Funding for the town center program is by a $12 million fund created in 2002, evenly divided among all six planning districts.