Gaines Street Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will the finished road look like? What's the vision for this area?
The Gaines Street district is intended to be a mixed-use urban neighborhood with shops, restaurants and residential uses. To see illustrations that visually depict what the future of Gaines Street might look like, please visit the Urban Design page.
Who owns the road?
The City of Tallahassee owns the road and right-of-way.
How long will construction take?
Construction is estimated to be completed by the end of 2012, barring no unforeseen circumstances.
When will the road be narrowed to two lanes?
The road is currently two-way, two-lane from Railroad Avenue to Monroe Street. The transformation of the section from approximately Stone Valley Way to Railroad Avenue is anticipated to begin in fall 2011.
What kind of on-street parking will be available along Gaines Street at the end of the project?
The City of Tallahassee has installed on-street parking on the north side of Gaines Street where possible between Monroe Street and Railroad Avenue. This is free, public parking. Additional on-street parking will be installed where possible during the subsequent portions of construction.
How will cyclists, motorists and pedestrians be impacted during construction?
Once construction begins on the reconfiguration of Gaines Street, the road will be reduced from four lanes to two lanes. This work will affect the roadway, sidewalk, curb and gutter. While the construction process will be an inconvenience for motorists, it could prove unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians. Extreme caution is advised when traveling through the construction zone, and alternate routes are available and advisable.
What type of closures can be expected?
For the latest closure information, please visit the Construction Notices page.
Are you considering altering the flow of traffic on adjacent streets, building a new east-west corridor or anything of that nature?
The City of Tallahassee is currently working on options for the extension of FAMU Way. If constructed, FAMU Way will serve as a small traffic reliever for Gaines Street. More information on the proposed FAMU Way project can be found here.
How will construction impact existing businesses on Gaines Street?
The City and the contractor will work with the businesses on an individual basis to ensure that the impact is minimal. For example, every effort will be made to maintain access to businesses at all times.
Have the existing businesses been considered in the vision for the future of Gaines Street?
Absolutely! The Community Redevelopment Agency is offering existing businesses funds for painting and matching grants to improve the facades of their businesses.
How will businesses along Gaines Street get shipments if they come on large vehicles, such as the semis that currently take up one lane on the road when making deliveries, once the road has been narrowed?
Some businesses will be able to utilize the rear access road when it is complete. For businesses that require front door delivery, a loading space will be provided in front of the business.
How is this project being funded? Did the City consider postponing the project due to the current economic situation?
The funds to pay for the majority of this project come from sales tax, not property taxes. Voters initially approved the funding for the Gaines Street project as part of the BluePrint 2000 sales tax extension. Subsequently, in 2004, the City of Tallahassee and Leon County agreed to set aside $27.7 million of BluePrint 2000 discretionary finds to pay for road construction, property acquisition and development incentives. Additionally, the City received another $7 million in road maintenance finds from the State of Florida when the road right-of-way was transferred in 2008.