Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Gainesville has approved a plan to redevelop the City Hall Plaza over the next year, removing the fountain and pools on the grounds and created new public space.
Council unanimously approved the plan and directed staff to develop redesign plans.
City Commissioners approved the project after a staff presentation stating the redesign would allow better use of the area and confirming a $20,000 repair quote for fountain plumbing this year.
Pools and fountain were added in the late 1960s when City Hall was built.
The redevelopment will replace booth pools with landscaped areas with crepe myrtles and other Florida vegetation.
The project would be paid for through Wild Spaces Public Places funds and construction would start this winter.
Mayor Harvey Ward says the city should also consider that City Hall, built in 1967, will need extensive work, along with the old library building.