Florida Construction News staff writer
A newly completed intersection in east Gainesville is laying the foundation for more than just traffic flow. Local leaders gathered this week to celebrate the new infrastructure network at the Eastside Health and Economic Development Initiative (EHEDI) at Cornerstone — a project city officials say is central to transforming the community.
“We’re proud to celebrate the completion of a brand-new roadway and utility system in East Gainesville, a major milestone in the city’s long-term redevelopment of the 21-acre Cornerstone site,” contractor Andrew’s Construction wrote on social media.
The project has turned a previously overgrown, 21-acre city-owned site west of Hawthorne Road into a prime development location, now featuring four construction-ready parcels. A new Regional Transit System (RTS) transfer station is planned for one of those parcels, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026.
“I can see people living just blocks away — in homes being built by Bright Community Trust and apartments from the Hutchinson Foundation — walking to this transit hub to get to work, shop, or visit friends across town,” Ward said.
“Projects like EHEDI at Cornerstone represent the kind of collaborative community focus and investment we need,” said Alachua County Commission Chair Chuck Chestnut. “Together, we can ensure the east side has a future that reflects the full potential of this community.”
The $3.8 million infrastructure project includes the extension of Southeast Sixth Avenue and the construction of Southeast 20th Street, running alongside the UF Health Urgent Care Center – Eastside and connecting to Southeast Eighth Avenue. City and county governments each contributed $2.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the healthcare facility.
Michael Holmes, senior vice-president and regional president for UF Health in Greater Gainesville, said the partnership reflects a broader mission.
“From healthcare to transportation to education and employment, it takes all of us to have a healthy community,” Holmes said. “This effort reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to services and meeting the needs of our neighbors.”
The new roadway includes extensive underground infrastructure to support future development, including stormwater systems, utilities, lighting and site preparation. City leaders say that groundwork will allow additional housing, health care, and business projects to move forward more quickly.
The EHEDI at Cornerstone project is being led by the city’s economic development arm, the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area. It aligns with the city’s strategic goals of equity and access to services for all residents.
“We have completed the groundwork for additional accessible health care, expanded services, improved transit and walkable connections that support wellness at every level,” Duncan-Walker said.
